Pittsburgh Pirates: Next Wave of Top Pitching Prospects

Mitch Keller

The Pittsburgh Pirates second round pick in 2014 is turning exactly into what the Pirates were hoping.  At 6’3” and 200 pounds, Keller has exactly the frame that you want to see in a pitcher.  Keller’s fastball sits 93 to 95 miles per hour and he is able to for the most part maintain his velocity into the later innings.  He also has a plus curve-ball and a developing change-up.  The biggest thing that has led to Keller’s success this year is his command.  On the season he has totaled 124 strikeouts to 16 walks in 119.1 innings pitched. The 20-year-old also has an outstanding earned run average of 2.56 in 22 games started.

What has led to his success?  As mentioned earlier his command.  However, it is more because he is able to use his secondary pitches more effectively.  When he entered the Pittsburgh Pirates system his change-up was his worst pitch.  Now Keller’s change-up is considered an above average offering that he has confidence in.  Keller most likely will be the Pittsburgh Pirates top pitching prospect as soon as next year (assuming Glasnow graduates).  Keller already is a consensus top 100 prospect, some having him as a top 60 prospect in all of baseball.

Next: A Tommy-John recipient