Fresh off a surprise move to sign Bo Bichette to a three-year, $126 million contract, the New York Mets appear far from done this offseason. With momentum building, the club is reportedly exploring additional ways to upgrade the roster, whether through free agency or the trade market.
According to Mets insiders, New York is now evaluating potential trade options, particularly to address its remaining needs in the outfield and the starting rotation. One pitcher who could draw serious interest is Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Mitch Keller.
Trade Concept Puts Mitch Keller in Queens
The Pirates may be open to trimming payroll ahead of the 2026 season after adding several players this winter. That makes Keller, who is owed $16.9 million in 2026 and still has years remaining on his five-year, $77 million deal, a possible trade candidate.
In this hypothetical deal, the Mets would acquire Keller in exchange for their No. 6 prospect, Jacob Reimer. Pittsburgh would gain a young bat to develop for the future, while New York would add an established starter as it pushes into win-now mode following an aggressive offseason.
Keller earned All-Star honors in 2023 and has proven to be a reliable innings-eater, making at least 29 starts in four consecutive seasons. During the 2025 campaign, he logged 176.1 innings with a 4.19 ERA. While not dominant, his consistency and durability add significant value to a rotation in need of stability.
Why the Mets Are Searching for Rotation Depth
Currently, the Mets’ projected rotation is led by David Peterson and Clay Holmes. Peterson is coming off an All-Star year, but both he and Holmes have durability questions over a full season. Behind them are pitchers like Sean Manaea, who is aiming for a rebound, and Nolan McLean, a promising young arm with long-term upside.
After a rough finish to the 2025 season that forced prospects such as Brandon Sproat and Jonah Tong into starting roles, it’s understandable why New York would prioritize adding a dependable veteran starter. Keller fits that profile, though other pitchers who could surface in trade talks include MacKenzie Gore, Pablo López, and possibly Freddy Peralta.
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