The Pittsburgh Pirates’ offseason is picking up steam, and it’s becoming clear that general manager Ben Cherington is willing to explore some bold moves. After trading right-handed pitcher Luis Ortiz to the Cleveland Guardians for first baseman Spencer Horwitz, the Pirates are reportedly open to discussing another potential deal involving key pitchers.
The latest buzz is around Mitch Keller, the Pirates’ ace and recent contract extension recipient, along with young rising star Jared Jones. While neither trade seems imminent, the fact that Pittsburgh is willing to listen to offers on these arms signals that they’re strategically preparing for the future — a future that may involve reshaping the roster to improve the offense and free up payroll for further acquisitions.
Mitch Keller: A Surprising Trade Candidate?
The idea of trading Mitch Keller, especially after he signed a lucrative extension in Spring 2024, would be a stunner to many Pirates fans. The right-hander, who turns 29 in March, has been a steady presence in the rotation over the past two seasons, posting nearly identical 4.21 ERA and 4.25 ERA marks in 2023 and 2024, respectively. While his strikeout rate dipped slightly in 2024, Keller still offers impressive velocity (averaging 95 mph on his fastball) and solid command.
However, Keller’s four-year, $71.5 million extension, which kicks in in 2025, has drawn some attention. At $15 million in 2025, $16.5 million in 2026, $18 million in 2027, and $20 million in 2028, Keller’s escalating salary could become a challenge for a Pittsburgh team that is typically on the lower end of the payroll spectrum. In the current free-agent pitching market, where pitchers like Alex Cobb (37) and Frankie Montas (32) commanded multi-million dollar deals despite less-than-stellar seasons, Keller’s contract looks like a bargain. The Pirates could capitalize on that value in a trade while also looking to address other needs.
The Potential for a Mitch Keller Trade
The notion of trading Keller is still somewhat unexpected, given how much the Pirates invested in him just months ago. But with Pittsburgh’s offensive struggles well-documented and Keller’s affordability in comparison to other free-agent pitchers, a trade could serve multiple purposes for the team. Moving Keller could free up salary space to bolster the offense or improve the bullpen — two areas where the Pirates have clear needs. Corner outfield, second base, and bullpen depth are all areas that could benefit from additional resources.
Though the Pirates don’t actively need to shop Keller, the market is evolving rapidly. If an offer comes along that makes Pittsburgh better for the long term, they would be wise to consider it. In today’s game, few players are truly untouchable, especially if the Pirates feel they can pivot toward a more potent lineup.
Jared Jones: A Steep Price for a Young Talent
The idea of moving Jared Jones is even more eyebrow-raising. The 23-year-old right-hander entered the 2024 season as one of the most highly regarded pitching prospects in baseball. Despite a lat strain that sidelined him for about seven weeks, Jones bounced back with a 4.14 ERA and solid strikeout rate in his first taste of big league action. His fastball averaged a sizzling 97.3 mph, and he demonstrated solid command with a 7.7% walk rate. Jones also boasts a staggering 14.1% swinging-strike rate, an indicator of just how effective he can be at missing bats.
If the Pirates were to consider trading Jones, it would have to be for a return that reflects his elite upside. Jones has five years of club control remaining, and his combination of velocity, command, and potential strikeout ability makes him one of the most coveted young arms on the market. The Pirates would likely only entertain such a deal if it involved acquiring a hitter with similar upside and control, making it a trade that could reshape the Pirates’ lineup for years to come.
Given Jones’ status as a rising star, a deal for him would command a massive return, likely including multiple high-upside prospects or an established major league bat with years of team control left. While the likelihood of trading Jones is low, the Pirates would have to be overwhelmed by an offer to even consider parting with such a valuable asset.
A Deep Pool of Pitching Depth to Explore
The Pirates’ pitching depth gives them options. Besides Keller and Jones, the team has several promising arms in their rotation, including Paul Skenes, Baily Falter, Johan Oviedo, and others on the cusp of the majors like Mike Burrows and Braxton Ashcraft. Behind them, top prospects like Thomas Harrington and Bubba Chandler continue to rise through the ranks. Chandler, in particular, is considered one of the most highly regarded pitching prospects in the game, with MLB.com, FanGraphs, and Baseball America all ranking him in the top 20 among all prospects.
Given this wealth of arms, Cherington and the Pirates’ front office could afford to move a starting pitcher if the return is right. That said, the Pirates will likely be careful about making too many moves, as they still need to maintain a solid rotation and pitching depth for the long haul.
Looking Ahead
The Pirates’ approach this offseason is not just about shedding salary or flipping pitchers for short-term gain. They are looking at the big picture: improving a lineup that’s often struggled to provide support for the pitching staff while simultaneously securing long-term sustainability.
The trade of Luis Ortiz for Spencer Horwitz was the first sign of a possible roster reshaping, and as rumors swirl around Mitch Keller and Jared Jones, it’s clear the Pirates are weighing all their options. Whether or not Keller or Jones is ultimately moved, the Pirates’ front office has already shown a willingness to make bold decisions to improve the team’s future.
As the winter progresses, Pirates fans will want to stay tuned to see if this rumored pitching shakeup turns into a major trade, or if the team will stick with its current rotation and look for help elsewhere.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Pirates’ offseason plans, as they continue to build for the future while balancing the realities of a tight budget and a competitive NL Central division.
