Projecting the long-term outlook for the Pirates after the Mitch Keller extension

What will Pittsburgh's roster look like as Keller wraps up his new deal in 2028?
Sep 8, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller (23) throws
Sep 8, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller (23) throws / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
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No. 1 - Established stars

Keller’s signing marks the third straight season during which the Pirates have locked up a young face of the franchise. In 2022, Pittsburgh inked Ke’Bryan Hayes to an eight-year extension, anchoring the slick fielder at the hot corner through the 2030 season. In 2023, Bryan Reynolds signed a long-term deal through 2030 and a club option for 2031.

Not only will these two stars provide valuable defensive and offensive production, the pair has stepped into a leadership role on a team full of young, developing players. Hayes and Reynolds have the potential to shape the late 2020s Pittsburgh teams, and Hayes, in particular, has been lauded for his calm, cool demeanor and his capacity for grinding his way through a season.

"“I'm not the loudest person in the room, but I've always been a hard worker, at least in my eyes. I try to play the right way and go about my work day the right way with purpose.”"

Hayes, per MLB.com

Bailey Falter and Colin Holderman, although not stars, are key bullpen pieces that would still be around in 2028. Holderman has the potential to develop into a high-leverage arm as he gains more experience as the presumptive setup man for the Pirates in 2024 and beyond.