The New York Mets have expressed interest in acquiring right-hander Mitch Keller from the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Alongside the Chicago Cubs, the Mets are among the teams linked to Keller, who ranks second on MLB Trade Rumors’ list of the top 40 trade candidates leading into the July trade deadline. This growing trade interest highlights the Mets’ urgency to bolster their pitching rotation amid ongoing challenges.

Keller’s Recent Performance and Mets’ Evaluation

Keller recently impressed the Mets directly during a June 27 game when he allowed just one run in 5 1/3 innings, helping the Pirates secure a 9-1 victory over New York. This strong outing was part of a steady five-start stretch, during which Keller posted a 2.40 ERA over 30 innings. For the 2024 season overall, Keller maintains a 3.64 ERA across 106 1/3 innings, demonstrating consistent quality and dependability in Pittsburgh’s rotation. His ability to provide length and stability on the mound has likely attracted the Mets, whose pitching staff has been plagued by injuries.

Mets’ Pitching Rotation Struggles Heighten Trade Interest

New York’s rotation has been significantly weakened by injuries this season. Two of their primary innings leaders, Kodai Senga and Tylor Megill, are sidelined on the 15-day injured list, while Griffin Canning recently underwent season-ending surgery to address a ruptured Achilles tendon. Additionally, Sean Manaea has yet to pitch this year due to an oblique strain followed by a loose body discovered in his throwing elbow. Manaea, however, is expected to return before the All-Star break. This instability has placed a premium on acquiring reliable pitching like Keller’s to solidify the rotation for the dark stretch of the season.

Possible Mets Rotation Plans and Impact of Keller Addition

With Senga potentially returning soon and Manaea expected back shortly, the Mets could field a starting rotation consisting of Senga, Manaea, Clay Holmes, David Peterson, and Frankie Montas in July. Although this group offers potential, each pitcher carries uncertainty due to past injuries and inconsistent recent performances. Adding Keller, who offers a track record of durability, would provide a valuable insurance policy for the Mets as they aim to strengthen their bid for the NL East title and a possible World Series run.

Financial Considerations Complicate Trade Prospects

Acquiring Keller would come with significant financial implications for the Mets, who already face luxury tax concerns. Keller is owed the remainder of his $15 million salary in 2025, plus $54.5 million spanning the 2026-2028 seasons. This commitment would increase New York’s payroll beyond the luxury tax’s highest penalty threshold of approximately $301 million. The Mets might negotiate for some of Keller’s salary to be covered by Pittsburgh; however, the Pirates’ preference to cut payroll may limit the amount of salary the Mets could defer to the Bucs.

Pirates’ Motivation Amid Payroll and Roster Management

The Pittsburgh Pirates have a youthful pitching staff, with several promising arms already in the rotation or waiting in Triple-A. As part of a broader strategy, the Pirates appear inclined to move Keller and possibly Andrew Heaney, who is an impending free agent. The aim is to acquire young offensive talent and create roster space for prospects, all while gaining financial flexibility.

There seems to be a line of thinking where if they can get that money off the payroll, it can be used to acquire a hitter,

a source told Hiles.

This suggests the Pirates could pursue trades to add more veteran bats, balancing both selling and buying moves at the deadline. Though Pittsburgh holds a 38-51 record, a recent 6-0 homestand has prompted some optimism that a late surge may be attainable.

Team Performance and Trade Outlook for the Pirates

Following the firing of manager Derek Shelton, interim manager Don Kelly has guided the Pirates to a 26-25 record. Despite this improvement, the Bucs remain well behind in the NL Central standings and would need an impressive run to approach .500 and contend. While they might not fully commit to selling off assets this early in July, Pittsburgh is still widely expected to be among the teams looking to trade players this season.

one of a few teams expected to sell this trade season,

Hiles commented.

Given Pittsburgh’s budget-conscious approach, it seems likely they will remain open to moving Keller’s contract regardless of any sudden turnaround in team performance as the deadline draws near.

Implications for Mets and Pirates Going Forward

For the Mets, adding Mitch Keller could stabilize a fragile rotation and improve their playoff odds, albeit with financial risks tied to his contract. Meanwhile, the Pirates face a balancing act of enhancing their future roster while managing payroll constraints, which likely means Keller will be a central trade piece before the deadline. The possibility of salary offsets, player swaps, and roster openings makes this a complex negotiation for both teams as they pursue their respective goals.