The San Francisco Giants have been a focal point of MLB offseason chatter. After securing star shortstop Willy Adames, they’ve made strides to solidify their roster. However, the loss of two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell leaves a glaring hole in their starting rotation. While the team has been tied to ace Corbin Burnes, an intriguing alternative could be Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star Mitch Keller.
Keller, who signed a five-year, $77 million extension with the Pirates, is emerging as a potential trade target for the Giants, should Burnes prove unattainable. The Athletic’s Grant Brisbee floated the idea, noting Keller’s mix of potential and past struggles.
Keller’s journey to the All-Star Game
At just 28 years old, Mitch Keller’s career has been a rollercoaster. The right-hander made his MLB debut in 2019 and showed flashes of brilliance early in his career. However, inconsistent performances and an inability to maintain low ERA numbers raised doubts about his long-term viability as a frontline starter.
In 2022, Keller finally began to deliver on his promise, posting a career-best season that set the stage for his 2023 All-Star campaign. Despite a strong first half in 2023, Keller’s performance dipped in the latter half, raising questions about his durability and consistency. Nevertheless, the Pirates opted to lock him in with a $77 million extension, banking on his potential to develop into a reliable ace.
Why Keller makes sense for the Giants
The Giants are in desperate need of reinforcements for their rotation. With Snell gone and other high-profile starters off the market, Keller could be an ideal fit. His age, contract, and All-Star pedigree align with the team’s goals of competing in 2024 while maintaining long-term flexibility.
Keller’s appeal lies not just in his performance but in his price tag. While Burnes would likely require a significant financial and prospect investment, Keller’s contract is more manageable. Additionally, the Pirates might entertain offers for major-league-ready talent, which the Giants could provide with players like Joey Bart, Marco Luciano, or up-and-coming arms such as Hayden Birdsong or Mason Black.
What would a trade look like?
A deal for Keller would hinge on Pittsburgh’s willingness to part with a key player so soon after extending him. As Brisbee suggests, the Pirates could be tempted by a package including a mix of prospects and majors-ready players. However, the Giants would need to weigh the cost carefully, ensuring they don’t mortgage their future for a mid-rotation starter.
Another possibility could involve a three-team trade, allowing the Giants to leverage their assets creatively while addressing Pittsburgh’s needs for offensive and pitching depth.
A backup plan or hidden gem?
While Mitch Keller may not carry the same star power as Corbin Burnes, his All-Star potential and more modest price tag make him an intriguing alternative. The Giants have shown a knack for identifying and maximizing undervalued talent, and Keller could thrive under their system.
For now, Keller remains a name to watch as the Giants continue to explore their options. Whether they go all-in on Burnes or pivot to Keller, the team knows it must act decisively to shore up its rotation and maintain its competitive edge in a stacked National League West.