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Toronto Blue Jays looking to close deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates for all-star in blockbuster deal
Photo credit: WTAE
A recent article confirms that the Toronto Blue Jays are heavily eyeing star pitcher Mitch Keller from the Pittsburgh Pirates at this year's trade deadline.
As the Blue Jays remain near the top of the AL East and gear up for a strong October run, it's likely they'll be buyers come the MLB trade deadline.
Blue Jays closing in on star pitcher from Pirates.
Dominic Campbell from Pittsburgh Pirates On Si writes that Keller remains a frequent name in trade discussions in recent weeks.
"Keller has had a strong season for the Pirates, despite a 3-10 record over 19 starts.
He has 13 quality starts, tying him for fourth most in the MLB. He also has a 3.58 ERA over 113.0 innings pitched, 89 strikeouts to 27 walks, a .240 opposing batting average and a 1.17 WHIP." -Campbell
He has 13 quality starts, tying him for fourth most in the MLB. He also has a 3.58 ERA over 113.0 innings pitched, 89 strikeouts to 27 walks, a .240 opposing batting average and a 1.17 WHIP." -Campbell
In a recent piece for ESPN, Jeff Passan outlined the best trade deadline moves for MLB's top contenders. Among them was a deal sending Keller to the Blue Jays, a move he believes would be mutually beneficial for both clubs.
"He acknowledges Keller's long team control, as he signed a five-year, $77 million extension on Feb. 22, 2024, something that the Blue Jays would want with eventual starting pitcher departures to free agency.
Keller currently makes $15,411,500 in 2025, the most a Pirates player is earning this season on their payroll.
He is only one of two players making more than $10 million this season, along with outfielder Bryan Reynolds at $12,250,000." -Campbell
Keller currently makes $15,411,500 in 2025, the most a Pirates player is earning this season on their payroll.
He is only one of two players making more than $10 million this season, along with outfielder Bryan Reynolds at $12,250,000." -Campbell
Passan also highlights the Pirates' deep pool of young pitching talent, citing top prospects like Bubba Chandler and Hunter Barco, recent call-ups such as Mike Burrows and Braxton Ashcraft, and current rotation members including All-Star Paul Skenes and Bailey Falter.
"Adding Keller solves multiple problems at once. The 29-year-old is producing the best season of his seven-year career with the Pirates, averaging nearly six innings a start and giving up only seven home runs in 106⅓ innings.
The Blue Jays need rotation help -- and, in a deal for Keller, could try to get David Bednar, Dennis Santana or Caleb Ferguson from the Pirates to complement an already-good bullpen riding breakouts from Braydon Fisher and Brendon Little." -Passan
The Blue Jays need rotation help -- and, in a deal for Keller, could try to get David Bednar, Dennis Santana or Caleb Ferguson from the Pirates to complement an already-good bullpen riding breakouts from Braydon Fisher and Brendon Little." -Passan
We'll see how it all unfolds in the coming weeks.
Previously on Blue Jays Insider
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 13 | 1103 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays looking to close deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates for all-star in blockbuster deal Should the Blues Jays pursue star pitcher Mitch Keller at the trade deadline? | ||
| yes | 947 | 85.9 % |
| no | 156 | 14.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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