“The Pittsburgh Pirates, according to information received by the players’ union and confirmed by several owners, are one of the most profitable teams in all of baseball,” MLB insider Bob Nightengale reported earlier this season. But you wouldn’t know it by looking at the roster. Despite the profits, the Pirates still operate with one of the league’s lowest payrolls. Fans are beyond frustrated, watching owner Bob Nutting sit idly as the team crumbles. The result? Pittsburgh is once again buried at the bottom of the NL Central. And as the losses pile up, their star starter has now become the latest name to surface in trade discussions.

With five weeks remaining until the trade deadline, it’s no debate that Pittsburgh will be among the sellers. With a terrible 32–50 record, they’ve proven to be one of the worst teams this season. It’s no surprise that game attendance has fallen below expectations. The team’s most pressing problem this season? A lifeless offense. As Nutting refuses to increase the payroll, a trade is the next and only option. Team ace Paul Skenes is clearly untouchable. Instead, the Pirates have dragged their struggling $77 million starter into the swirl of trade talks, yes, none other than Mitch Keller.

The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal discussed the possibility of the Pirates trading Keller: “Only 18 months ago, the Pittsburgh Pirates signed right-hander Mitch Keller to a five-year, $77 million extension. The team is in a different place now than it was then, making a trade of Keller possible, if not likely,” he wrote. “As free-agent prices for starting pitchers soar, Keller’s contract looks increasingly reasonable,” he added. It’s not hard to see why the team might consider moving him; he’s their highest-paid player.

At $15 million, his salary accounted for 20 percent of the team’s Opening Day payroll. And in the next three years, his salaries are $16.5 million, $18 million, and $20 million. If the trade happens, they could redirect that money to boost their offense. Keller has not been able to produce wins this season; he is on a 5 game losing streak. But it is important to note that he has a 4.02 ERA, which is above league average. It makes the 2023 All-Star the best trade candidate for the Pirates.

And, interestingly, demand for a consistent starting pitcher is high in the market this season. And guess what? His reasonable contract might look dreamy for the Cubs, who are in desperate need of a veteran starter.

Mitch Keller emerges as trade target for Cubs

The Cubs are on fire this season. They’re leading the NL Central at 48–33 and are the third-best team in the National League. But after their most trusted arm, Justin Steele‘s exit with an injury, a void has emerged in their rotation. Even though Shota Imanaga returned from the IL with a winning start against the Cardinals, they’re expected to be aggressive at the trade deadline. And who are they eyeing this time? Mitch Keller, who could be the answer they’ve been searching for.

According to Bob Nightengale, the Cubs’ president of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, is interested in acquiring Keller. “The Chicago Cubs, who have dominated the NL Central but have seen their lead getting a little too close for comfort, are one of the teams who would love to get their hands on Keller,” Nightengale wrote.

The 29-year-old may not be the ace to take the team to the next level. But with Steele’s return still uncertain, they need a player who can support Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, and Matthew Boyd. From his 16 starts over 94 innings, Keller has 73 strikeouts and a 1.22 WHIP. Who knows? He could easily solve their pitching struggles this season and be an excellent addition for the stability they need. Keller is set to start the Pirates’ next game against the Mets on Friday. But will he be able to break his losing streak? We’ll have to wait and see.