MLB Rumors: Pirates ‘Engaged In Serious Trade Talks,’ Insider Says

Things are heating up in Pittsburgh, and it has nothing to do with the weather. The Pirates are getting ready to wheel and deal ahead of the July 31 trade deadline, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.

“The Pittsburgh Pirates have been engaged in serious trade talks for more than a week with the Chicago Cubs about starter Mitch Keller,” Nightengale reported Sunday. “Keller, who’s in the second year of a five-year, $77 million contract, is under control through 2028, earning $15 million this year, $16.5 million in 2026, $18 million in 2027 and $20 million in 2028.”

Keller might not be the only Buc in demand.

“Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Tommy Pham, who has made changes to the prescription to his contacts, suddenly has gotten hot, likely just in time to be traded at the deadline,” Nightengale added. “Pham is 8-for-15 with eight RBI in the past week, and could be joining his 11^th team of his career in July.”

Pham, 37, is hitting .224 this season with one home run and 17 RBIs in 55 games. He’s seen time in both left field and right field, as well as designated hitter.

The 12-year veteran is making $4.025 million this year and will be a free agent following the World Series.

As for Keller, he’s 2-10 with a 3.90 ERA in 17 starts this season.

Keller, 29, was an All-Star for the Pirates in 2023, when he won a career-best 13 games, while setting personal bests in starts (32), innings pitched (194 1/3), strikeouts (210) and WAR (3.0).

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