The Toronto Blue Jays are intensifying their efforts to secure Mitch Keller as a key addition, aiming to solidify their starting rotation ahead of the trade deadline. As the team maintains a strong record of 55-41 in a tough division race with the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, the pressing need for reliable pitching has become clear due to injuries and inconsistencies among current starters.
With veterans like Chris Bassitt, Kevin Gausman, and José Berríos all in their mid-thirties, and Max Scherzer often unavailable because of health issues, the Blue Jays face uncertainty in the crucial pitching role. Recent setbacks, including Bowden Francis’s injury struggles, have only heightened Toronto’s urgency to add experience and depth.
Mitch Keller Emerges as Trade Candidate for Blue Jays
Mitch Keller, the 29-year-old Pittsburgh Pirates starter, has surfaced as a strong candidate to fill this gap in Toronto’s rotation. Currently under a five-year, $77 million contract with 3.5 years still to run, Keller offers consistent performance that aligns with the Blue Jays’ immediate needs. Pittsburgh appears ready to part ways with him, making a trade feasible as the deadline looms.
Sports analyst Matt Johnson emphasized Keller’s suitability on Tuesday, pointing out the Blue Jays’ paradoxical situation.
“It’s quite remarkable that the Toronto Blue Jays are tied for the most wins in MLB (25) since June 1, despite their starting rotation ranking 24th in ERA (4.87) over that 38-game span,”
Johnson observed. This contrast highlights why Toronto is motivated to aggressively upgrade its pitching staff, a stance confirmed by general manager Ross Atkins.
Keller’s Strong Season and Potential Impact on Blue Jays
In the 2024 season, Keller has maintained an impressive 3.48 ERA over 20 starts and pitched 119 innings, ranking ninth in Major League Baseball for workload. His 14 quality starts place him near the top of the league, just behind leader Logan Webb. While not an ace, his prior All-Star appearance and steady output suggest he can provide the Blue Jays with the reliability they lack amid ongoing rotation struggles.
The presence of innings-eaters such as Chris Bassitt and José Berríos means Keller’s addition would deepen Toronto’s pitching options considerably. This reinforcement could prove pivotal as the Blue Jays look to maintain competitiveness against their divisional rivals, particularly in the race against the Yankees and Red Sox. The choice to pursue Keller reflects the Blue Jays’ intent to leverage their current momentum into sustained success in the postseason.