A familiar foe is reportedly eager to deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates before Thursday’s MLB trade deadline.
The Chicago Cubs “desperately want” to acquire a starting pitcher, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. They’re targeting Mitch Keller and are willing to offer top outfielder prospect Owen Caissie.
Chicago isn’t the only team pursuing Keller. The New York Mets and Yankees are among the other teams frequently linked to the 29-year-old, who has recorded a 3.53 ERA in 125 innings this season.
Contenders should pay no attention to Keller’s 4-10 record, as his 15 quality starts tie Zack Wheeler, Logan Webb, Framber Valdez and Bryan Woo atop MLB’s leaderboard. The right-hander is also under contract through the 2028 season, so the Pirates could demand a hefty return for their reliable No. 2 starter.
Caissie may represent the Cubs’ best bargaining chip. MLB.com’s updated prospect rankings position him as Chicago’s top farmhand and the No. 37 overall prospect. The 23-year-old is batting .278/.377/.563 with 20 home runs in Triple-A this season.
Story continues below advertisement
The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal also mentioned Caissie when he speculated that the Pirates could be swayed to move Keller for “multiple hitters.” However, the insider said the organization remains unsure about trading their innings leader in each of the last three seasons.
Nightengale reported that the Pirates will entertain offers for anybody except Paul Skenes and Oneil Cruz. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Noah Hiles previously said Pittsburgh has fielded “many calls” for Cruz but isn’t shopping the toolsy outfielder.
More Pirates: MLB Rumors: Pirates ‘In Regular Contact’ With AL Contender Before Trade Deadline
Featured image via Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images