Cubs Linked to Trade Interest in Mitch Keller From Pirates originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Pitching, pitching, pitching.
The Chicago Cubs will need arms at the trade deadline, no matter where the rotation stands over the next month. As a contending team, there’s absolutely no reason for Jed Hoyer not to at least add one starter to his rotation over the next month.
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There will be many options for them to pursue, and CBS Sports recently linked them to an intriguing option in the form of Mitch Keller of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
They looked at potential landing spots for the right-hander in trades, and named the Cubs as one of the three teams.
“They need bats, badly, and because of his price tag he’s likely deemed to be more expendable than, say, injured righty Jared Jones or imminent arrival Bubba Chandler. Keller has a broad arsenal (he’s a supinator, meaning he comes around the ball rather than through it) and is on pace for a fifth consecutive 30-plus appearance season. Potential landing spots: Cubs, Twins, Padres,” they wrote.
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell is interviewed by reporters before a game against the Colorado Rockies at Wrigley Field.Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
The Pirates have been one of the worst teams in Major League Baseball once again, sitting in last place in the below-average National League Central with a 35-50 record.
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While the Cubs and Pirates trading with each other isn’t exactly common, given they’re in the same division, there’s reason to believe this type of move could work out for both sides.
The Cubs have a loaded farm system, and the Pirates need some help.
Keller is a decent arm, but it’s tough to say that he’s perfect for what the Cubs need.
Nonetheless, the one-time All-Star would still be a great addition, as he’s thrown in 17 games this year and has struck out 77 hitters in 99.1 innings.
His strikeout numbers aren’t ideal and are down compared to prior seasons, mainly when he was an All-Star in 2023 and struck out 210 hitters and 194.1 innings, but he still has a 3.90 ERA and 3.33 FIP.
Related: Cubs Urged to Acquire Rockies’ All-Star as Offensive Upgrade
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared.