This one issue is preventing Pirates' Mitch Keller from being an ace

Mitch Keller has been the Pirates' Opening Day starter for two consecutive seasons. In those two seasons, he has emerged as one of the best pitchers on the Pirates. Still, there is one key issue that is preventing Keller from reaching ace status.

That key issue for Keller is his consistency during the second half. After making his first All-Star appearance in 2023, he returned from the break pitching like his 2021 form, which was among the worst of his career.

During the first half of 2023, Keller posted an earned run average of 3.31 with a WHIP of 1.12 and struck out 129 batters. Opponents hit just .220 against him, and he had a FIP of 3.32. In the second half, things went downhill, as his earned run average skyrocketed to a 5.59, his WHIP jumped to 1.44, and opponents hit .280 against him.

To be an ace, you cannot have a falloff like that. That was one of the big things the Pirates needed Keller to improve on in 2024, but instead, history repeated itself, with similar results to 2023 materializing.

Pirates' Mitch Keller must avoid second half setbacks

In 2024, Keller had another solid first half, posting an earned run average of 3.46, a WHIP of 1.25 and 105 strikeouts. Opponents batted just .255 against him and his FIP sat at 3.80. Then, in the second half, his earned run average jumped to 5.65, while opponents hit .272 against him with a WHIP of 1.40.

For Keller to be an ace, he needs to continue to produce during the entire season, not just the first half. Having Keller pitch consistenly year-round is something the Pirates need to return to the postseason.

Rookie sensation Paul Skenes is emerging as the Pirates' ace, but Mitch Keller is a guy that has the talent to be an effective co-ace. Unfortunately, his consistency throughout the season has prevented him from getting that label.