3 best trade destinations for Mitch Keller after Pirates rumors intensify

Ken Rosenthal recently mentioned that a Mitch Keller trade was likely at this point due to the Pittsburgh Pirates' current trajectory. Their putrid offense has contributed to a drop in attendance, which by no means helps the payroll increasing in the near future.

Since he has the highest salary on the team that will progressively increase over the next three years, Keller appears to be a name the Pirates may want to get that off their hands. The young pitchers that are slowly taking over this staff are also pushing for alternative ways to improve the offense. That seems to be the only logical reason as to why he is presented in the trade market.

Now that insiders are considering it likely that Keller gets dealt, the front office needs to determine how they can get the most value. Almost every team will be after pitching help to assist in a playoff run, so there will be plenty of options. Then again, the only way it makes sense for the Pirates to deal Keller is to land offensive talent, and these three teams make the most sense.

The Pirates must only consider a Mitch Keller trade with these three teams

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers have a very deep farm system, especially at the top of their organization, with some of the best offensive prospects in baseball in addition to young bats in their lineup. Detroit could also use a guy like Keller in their rotation after losing star prospect Jackson Jobe for the year.

The ideal player the Pirates should target here is Wenceel Perez, a 25-year-old outfielder who has gotten off to a great start this season. He played the entirety of 2024 in the big leagues, finishing with a 95 wRC+ and a .683 OPS. This season through just 25 games, his numbers have skyrocketed to a 172 wRC+ with a .901 OPS. Those aren't exactly sustainable, but there's a lot of upside to work with there, especially since he's already finding success in the big leagues.

Additionally, Pittsburgh should ask about Max Anderson, the Tigers' 21st-ranked prospect per MLB Pipeline. Although he is in Double-A, the second baseman would become one of the better hitting prospects with the Pirates. His tools are excellent, as he consistently posts low strikeout rates with decent power. This season, his 183 wRC+, .968 OPS, and 14.2% strikeout rate have been excellent. Acquiring him would be great for this organization and this breakout season could be a good sign of his future.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Money is no issue for the Dodgers, and they are going to have to go all in to compete with the Giants following the Rafael Devers trade. The Dodgers and Pirates could pair up well for a trade here as LA's lineup is outstanding and has expandable pieces. In terms of their pitching staff, they have 12 guys on the injured list, and if there is a pitcher who has been reliable it has been Keller, who has made 30 starts in each of his last three seasons. He is on pace to do it once again in 2025.

The Pirates must attempt a one-for-one deal here for Andy Pages. The young outfielder is very valuable to the Dodgers, but despite carrying a 132 wRC+ with 16 home runs, he is typically in the bottom of the lineup. Los Angeles is just too good that losing Pages wouldn't really hurt them that badly, especially since they could easily work out a deal for Jarren Duran, Cedric Mullins, or Adolis Garcia to follow.

Pittsburgh has the leverage in a trade like this where keeping Keller really wouldn't hurt them. The Cubs are another team with interest in Keller, and a bidding war in this sellers market will only increase the price.

Boston Red Sox

Lastly is the Red Sox, who have one of the best outfields in baseball. Even after losing Devers, Boston still has a team that is scraping victories together to stay in the hunt. Adding a controllable arm with three pitchers heading to free agency makes sense for them, even while subtracting a solid bat.

Duran has been involved in trade talks, along with their rentals. But the Pirates should be targeting Wilyer Abreu, a 26-year-old outfielder who had been discussed in trade talks since last offseason. Initially all the reports suggested Jared Jones would be the return, but that is no longer on the table. Abreu would be just like Pages, a one-for-one target, and he would save this lineup. Abreu has posted a 112 wRC+ with 13 home runs and a .789 OPS in 2025.

With Roman Anthony, Jhostynxon Garcia, and James Tibbs leading Boston's farm system, Abreu is very expandable for the Red Sox if it means they'll be acquiring pitching help.

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