The Pittsburgh Pirates are looking ahead to next year as they finish their season against the New York Yankees.
There are positive takeaways from Pittsburgh’s season. They were in playoff contention for a good portion of the season, and the pitching staff was great, led by rookie superstar Paul Skenes. The Pirate’s offense needs improvement next season to compete for the playoffs.
Pittsburgh could deal pitcher Mitch Keller to bring in another bat or two, according to Sports Illustrated’s Nathaniel Marrero.
“One of the avenues the Pirates could take is using their depth at one position to improve other areas of need,” Marrero said. “If that’s the path Pittsburgh chooses to take, using its pitching to make room for a bat or two could be its best use of assets to position the team to take the next step in 2025.”
“Mitch Keller could be the pitcher who’s on the outside looking in if the Pirates decide to trade one of their starters. Keller, 28, signed a five-year $77 million deal before this season and is set to see a sizable uptick in his pay next season. After making $5.85 million this season, his salary is set to jump to $15.41 in 2025 and steadily increase for the duration of his contract, per Spotrac.”
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Keller finished the year 11-12 with a 4.25 ERA in 31 starts. The veteran was 10-5 before the All-Star break with a 3.46 ERA but completely fell off in the second half of the season, going 1-7.
The Pirates have a great starting rotation centered around rookies Skenes and Jared Jones. They also have multiple top pitching prospects who should reach the majors soon. Pittsburgh could trade Keller to save money and improve the roster in other areas for next season.
More MLB: Paul Skenes Strikes Out Aaron Judge, Juan Soto In Final 2024 Start
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