The Pirates already moved one big league pitcher this week, sending righty Luis Ortiz to the Guardians in a trade to acquire new first baseman Spencer Horwitz, but Pittsburgh’s pitching depth could be sufficient enough to set the stage for another deal. Noah Hiles and Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report that the Bucs have also been willing to talk about right-hander Mitch Keller, whom they signed to an extension just this past spring. Righty Jared Jones was even someone on whom the Pirates were at least willing to listen, per the report, though it’s not clear whether the trade of Ortiz has reduced their willingness to talk about other controllable, pre-arbitration arms.
Trading either right-hander would be somewhat surprising, albeit to differing degrees. Any player who signs a notable contract in Pittsburgh is going to eventually come up in trade rumblings as the salaries escalate. Still, moving Keller fewer than 12 months after signing him to an extension that promised him just over $71MM in new money from 2025-28, would be unexpected. He’s owed $15MM in 2025, $16.5MM in 2026, $18MM in 2027 and $20MM in 2028 — a total of $69.5MM over the next four seasons.
Keller, 29 in March, has posted similar bottom-line results in each of the past two seasons: a 4.21 ERA in 32 starts during the 2023 campaign and a 4.25 ERA in 31 starts in 2024. He posted strong, nearly identical walk rates between the two seasons (6.7% in ’23, 6.5% in ’24) and had the exact same 1.16 HR/9 mark in each year.
However, Keller lost four percentage points off his strikeout rate from 2023 (25.5%) to 2024 (21.5%), while his average four-seamer dropped by 0.8 mph and his sinker lost about a half mile per hour. He allowed more balls in the air, more hard contact and more overall contact in 2024 — particularly within the strike zone. Fielding-independent metrics were more bullish on his 2023 work (3.80 FIP, 3.83 SIERA) than on his 2024 efforts (4.08 from both FIP and SIERA).
Regardless, Keller is a quality arm with enough velocity, prospect pedigree, track record and (perhaps most importantly) affordability to draw considerable interest on the market. Even if the Bucs weren’t necessarily interested in trading him at the outset of the offseason, the soaring prices of free-agent pitching have suddenly made Keller look like even more of a bargain. Consider that 37-year-old Alex Cobb secured a $15MM guarantee coming off a season in which he made three starts or that Frankie Montas, 32 in March, commanded a $17MM annual value (with an opt-out) after a 4.84 ERA with a similar strikeout rate and worse command in fewer innings — and Keller’s contract looks quite appealing.
The Pirates don’t necessarily need to shop Keller, but there’s no getting around the reality that a $15MM salary for him this season — and the escalating numbers in subsequent seasons — is a sizable number for Pittsburgh in a way that isn’t true in other markets. Hiles and Destin suggest that any trade from the big league rotation would be made with an eye toward both adding a major league bat to a lackluster lineup. In Keller’s case, it’d also free up money to pursue help at other areas of need. Corner outfield, second base and the bullpen are among the areas that come to mind.
A trade of the 23-year-old Jones would register as something of a stunner. The former second-round pick entered the 2024 season lauded as one of the game’s best prospects and quickly established himself as a viable big league arm while demonstrating star upside. Jones averaged a blazing 97.3 mph on his four-seamer, fanned 26.2% of his opponents against a tidy 7.7% walk rate and pitched 121 2/3 innings of 4.14 ERA ball. His huge 14.1% swinging-strike rate showed clear potential for even more strikeouts.
Jones missed about seven weeks with a lat strain and showed signs of rust in his return late in the year. Prior to landing on the injured list, he’d pitched 91 innings of 3.56 ERA ball with strikeout and walk rates right in line with his season-long rates. He was more prone to homers and walks in his relatively brief September return than he’d been prior to the injury, suggesting his command was lacking — not a huge surprise for a young pitcher simultaneously returning from an injury and establishing a new career-high number of innings (when combining his big league total with his 11 rehab frames).
Moving Jones would require a seismic return. He’s a 23-year-old with five seasons of club control, elite velocity, plus bat-missing abilities, strong command and some big league success already under his belt. One would imagine the Pirates would only even entertain the notion if presented with a hitter of similar upside and club control. Even then, given the rarity of starters with this upside, the Bucs might seek additional prospects on top of any young hitter(s) they’d target. If Jones were truly available, he would likely be the most coveted arm on the entire starting pitching market — and rightly so.
General manager Ben Cherington told Hiles and Destin Wednesday (after the Ortiz trade) that he could “in theory” move another arm from his rotation but cautioned against dipping to far into his cache of arms. The Pirates have Paul Skenes, Keller, Jones, Bailey Falter and Johan Oviedo as current starters with some big league success under their belts, plus an enviable line of well-regarded prospects behind them. Mike Burrows and Braxton Ashcraft are both on the 40-man roster, while prospects Thomas Harrington and Bubba Chandler are close to the majors. Chandler, in particular, is regarded as one of the best pitching prospects in the game (as Jones and Skenes were an offseason ago). He ranked 15th, 19th and 21st on the most recent top-100 prospect rankings from MLB.com, FanGraphs and Baseball America, respectively.
Readers (Pirates fans, in particular) will want to check out the entire piece from Destin and Hiles, as the portion on starting pitching is just one of several Winter Meetings topics the report explores. The Post-Gazette duo also touches on Jack Suwinski’s offseason efforts to put an ugly 2024 season behind him, injured righty Hunter Stratton’s rehab, and some potential news on the coaching front.
sad tormented neglected mariners fan
They could get a lot for Keller
Robertowannabe1
Would probably take a lot to get Keller from the Bucs at the moment.
TheMan 3
it didn’t take much for the Guardians to get Ortiz
Robertowannabe1
Keller is better than Ortiz.
Goku the Knowledgable One
Ortiz is an overrated 4 with some intangibles
He was not overrated before this trade , funny how that works..
wvsteve
Who did you think they were getting to play first? Or hoping for?
RichardJarzynka
The Pirates got the best of the Ortiz deal.
Horwitz was fifth (5th) in OPS among the 43 MLB first-basemen with at least 300 plate appearances last year.
Horwitz: .790
Pete Alonso .788
Josh Naylor .776
Luis Ortiz was 82nd of 126 in FIP among MLB pitchers who had at least 100 innings pitched.
TheMan 3
Horowitz didn’t play in every game and Ortiz wasn’t a starter all year
RichardJarzynka
Ortiz was worse as a starter than as a reliever.
Reliever: 3.68 FIP.
Starter: 4.57 FIP.
Horwitz had 382 plate appearances last season and a 1.9 WAR. Ortiz had a 1.0 WAR in 135 innings pitched.
Fangraphs projects a .784 OPS and 2.1 WAR for Horwitz in 2025.
They project a 4.56 FIP and 0.8 WAR for Ortiz in 2025.
TheMan 3
the offseason isn’t over yet, Ben could have held out for a better hitter
RichardJarzynka
You neither hit nor pitch.
And you seem to have put your faith in the failed Border Czar..
IsIt2025Already?
You mean Time Magazine’s Person of the Year?! That sounds like a lot of faith in Fangraphs projections.
bloomquist4hof
Intangiblity could be a new market inefficiency. If a pitcher could make the ball intangible to strikeout a batter or a baserunner becomes intangible to avoid a tag.
TheMan 3
that’s not the point.
Tugboat54
No way you can say that with the tiny sample size from Horwitz.
TheMan 3
knowing how Cherington just got fleeced in trading Ortiz, this idea is more of a payroll dump than wanting to improve the offense
Heaven forbid if Nutting would have to increase payroll to be competitive
seamaholic 2
They didn’t get fleeced. They got a very good middle of the order bat at a position where they had nothing, in exchange for a decent swing man and some disposable prospects.
IsIt2025Already?
Right?! If Horwitz keeps pace with his production last year he’s a top 3 hitter on the Pittsburgh roster lol. Sounds fine for their third or 4th best SP with peripherals that suggest he won’t keep it up + two lotto ticket pitching prospects with some upside.
TheMan 3
Ortiz is better than a decent swing man, he’s a solid #4 starter
Cherington got fleeced
Salzilla
A 4th starter for Horwitz who has now hit at Triple A and the majors is a good deal. Not a fleeceing in the least.
Wagner>Cobb
Pittsburgh needs all the help they can get offensively. It was a smart trade.
IsIt2025Already?
4.28 xERA 4.25 FIP 4.59 xFIP and 7k/9. Cleveland better get ready for a 4+ ERA 4th starter.
TheMan 3
The Pirates sent 3 pitchers to the Guardians and they received one player back
That’s the definition for being fleeced
RichardJarzynka
Did the Padres get fleeced when they sent five (5) players to the Pirates for Joe Musgrove.
IsIt2025Already?
Michael Kennedy has a 35 fastball and he’s in A+. Josh Hartle was an undrafted signee, has a 30 grade fastball and pitched 1.2 innings in A ball last year. I’d rather have a decent 1B during Paul Skenes’ Pittsburgh window than any of them. Right now the Pirates have Skenes, Keller, Jones, Falter, Oviedo, Chandler, Burrows and Harrington all vying for a rotation spot this year. Would I have liked a deal for just Ortiz and Hartle better than including Kennedy because he’s a LHP, sure. Have to give to get though.
Goku the Knowledgable One
I said what I said…
TheMan 3
I vividly remember other Pirates who hit well in the minors and had one decent season in the majors then fell off the face of the earth
IsIt2025Already?
Name one under Cherington. Better yet name one under Cherington who then came up and put up 400+ PAs at 125 wRC+ in a more difficult division than NLC.
Rsox
Did they really get fleeced for Ortiz though? Yes he has some solid numbers but half of his appearances came out of the bullpen. Horwitz was solid, so it’s not like they got a lotto ticket in return and First Base has been a revolving door for the Pirates since Josh Bell left. Maybe Horwitz can be the answer for the next 5 years
RichardJarzynka
Pirate payroll is low because Pittsburgh is now, and always has been, a bad market for baseball – even when the team was one of the best in baseball.
In 2015, when the Pirates made the post-season for the third straight year and had the second best record in baseball, their attendance was 9th in the 15 team National League.
When the Pirates won their division for the third straight year in 1992, they were unable to sell out playoff games.
Throughout the 1970s the Pirates were one of the very best teams in baseball, and their attendance was abysmal.
That’s why there are no billionaires lining up to make Bob Nutting an offer for the Pirates that would be too good for him to turn down. Pittsburgh is a bad market for baseball.
TheMan 3
you forgot to mention that PNC Park only holds 38000 people; and during their last 3 playoff seasons they broke the record for most fans in a season twice
Comparing league average with small market teams is a precarious position to take
RichardJarzynka
The size of PNC Park would have mattered regarding attendance if the fans were selling out PNC for every game, which they were not.in 2015.. In fact, the average attendance was 10,000 per game lower than the 38,000 sellout figure you cited.
It’s strange to see you now giving Nutting the .”small market” justification., rather than admit that Pittsburgh is a bad market for baseball.
The evidence from 1970 through 2024 conclusively demonstrates that Pittsburgh will not support even a mid-level MLB payroll. Whatever the reason, may be, Pittsburgh has proven that it is a bad market for baseball.
joew
certainly not fleeced. as of now based on previous performance its a pretty fair deal. How that projects into the future we’ll see.
TJECK109
Knowing BC he will flip him to the Mets for Marte
Only way you trade Keller is if you are getting a MLB ready arm in the package.
Goku the Knowledgable One
Agreed TJ
I don’t feel like doing research on a hypothetical,
BUT
If they would trade kellers longevity for a short-term vet whos more established like Cease or Alcantara
Might be worth it?
MLB Top 100 Commenter
How about Keller and a low level pitching prospect to Cubs for Nico Hoerner and Kevin Alcantara?
Who says no?
TheMan 3
Cherington only wants players with at least 4 years of control before free agency so i would say no
Goku the Knowledgable One
They need to chill.
The current roster is a closer away from a playoff berth
Skenes
Jones
Keller
Oviedo
Falter
Is one of the best rotations in the bigs
RussianFemboy
I wouldn’t say that, skenes and Jones are really the only good ones.
maybe keller
I wouldn’t say its one of the best, but it is pretty good.
Goku the Knowledgable One
WHAT DO YOU MEAN MAYBE KELLER ?@?@?
YOU DONT THINK KELLER IS GOOD GTFO
RichardJarzynka
Keller was an average major league starting pitcher last year.
RussianFemboy
@goku
its really not that serious man.
chill
Goku the Knowledgable One
No.
🙂
Goku the Knowledgable One
Doesn’t need to , just need Hayes to play good D
SS IKF
LF Reynolds
1B Horwitz
CF Cruz
DH Cutch
C Bart
2B Nicky G
3B Hayes
RF Palacios/Davis/Suckwinski
UTIL IF: gold glove winner Triolo
That’s not a lineup that needs a total makeover , that’s a lineup that’s a piece away..
… I just wouldn’t trade Keller to make that happen.
Who’s the number 3 if that happens? I agree that overall Keller is a legit #3, but he’s one that borders on #2
Pirates can never afford proven SP , so trading one for a batter is insanely foolish
kzw
@Goku…you and I agree that Keller is a solid #3 who borderline’s as a #2. What you forgot to mention is that by the end of May, beginning of June, he will be the #4 when Chandler comes up. You can’t trade from that rotation. It’s too dominant.
seamaholic 2
No offense, but they have no offense. Their best position player last year was Bryan Reynolds, who was a little better than league average and is 30 years old. They had the right idea in the Ortiz trade, where they acquired their current best hitter. Keep going. You need to score runs to win.
TheMan 3
claiming that Horowitz is their current best hitter without him even swinging a bat in a Pirates uniform is pushing it
alwaysgo4two
I think that he’s referring to the trade where they acquired their best hitter…Reynolds, through the trade market.
RichardJarzynka
Pirate fans moaned about the trade that brought Reynolds to Pittsburgh, too.
TheMan 3
We fans have experienced the type of trades and signings that have allowed us to complain.
Until you’ve walked a mile in our shoes for the last 45 years, you have no idea what you’re talking about
wvsteve
I do think he was a solid pick up if $$$ is spent on a corner outfielder. The problem is who will that be? Probably a no go on Santander and Teoscar. Profar isn’t worth a multiple year deal. Where are they going to spend thirty million they did last year?
TheMan 3
he is a solid pick up but he’s not the second coming of Willie Stargell.
They need a power hitting first baseman who can play the position well
RichardJarzynka
You will complain about any and every move they make.
Was McCutchen for Reynolds a bad trade? Justin Wilson for Francisco Cervelli? Musgrove for Bednar and Endy Rodriguez? Minor leaguers for Marlon Byrd? Tony Watson for Oneil Cruz? Joel Hanrahan for Mark Melancon? Daniel Vogelbach for Colin Holderman? Charles McAdoo for Isiah Kiner-Falefa? Rick Rhoden for Doug Drabek? Felix Fermin for Jay Bell? Tony Pena for Andy Van Slyke and Mike LaValliere? Minor leaguer for J.A. Happ? Minor leaguer for Joakim Soria?
Was the signing of A.J. Burnett bad? Russel Martin? Francisco Liriano? Edinson Volquez? Jason Grilli? Jose Quintana? Aroldis Chapman? Carlos Santana? The re-signing of Andrew McCutchen?
Was the contract extension of McCutchen bad?, Marte? Reynolds? Keller? Liriano? Cervelli? Josh Harrison?
RichardJarzynka
Teams don’t need a power hitting first baseman. They need players who’s hitting produces runs.
Spencer Horwitz was 27% better at that than the league average last season. Bryan Reynolds was only 18% better than league average.
Rsox
That’s not necessarily true. The pieces are there. If Ke’Bryan Hayes could ever stay healthy and Suwinski returns to 2023 form with Reynolds, Cruz, Horwitz and McCutchen is still serviceable the offense would be better
TheMan 3
and if pigs could fly
This team has too many holes to fill to expect anything more than a .500 season next year
alwaysgo4two
Huh? They need a RF and a 1b. And both have to be good hitters. The pen should snap back as pens often do and the battery is solid.
IsIt2025Already?
Ke Hayes has no gel in one of his discs in his back. Dude’s career is hanging by a thread.
RodBecksBurnerAccount
They’re a lot closer than people think, especially in the NL Central.
wvsteve
I don’t think anybody is trying to win the central. The brewers don’t look that great on paper. St. Louis has a solid line up but subtracting from rotation. The reds are in the same boat as Pittsburgh, and the cubs are as confused as they come.
RichardJarzynka
I have just about given up on the thought that Ke’Bryan Hayes is ever going to hit.
IsIt2025Already?
Or stay on the field at all…
Tugboat54
Closer to finishing LAST AGAIN.
TJECK109
One of the biggest problems with their offense IMO is having hitters in spots in the lineup where they don’t belong.
Yes they definitely don’t have the offense and need to add a few more quality bats but they need to add to lineup spots as well. Tired of seeing Cruz as lead off or Hayes batting middle of the lineup. Even IKF would be better served as a 2 hitter instead of lead off
TheMan 3
last year’s offense lacked the basic fundamentals of playing baseball:
A team starving for run production needs to know how to bunt, make contact with the ball.
As a team they broke the franchise all time strikeout record with over 1500.
Rsox
You can pretty much say this about the game in general. The basic fundamentals have been thrown out the window in favor of launch angle and swinging out their shoes trying to hit three-run bombs with nobody on base…
Not a casual MLB fan
TheMan 3- You’re absolutely right.
What observers of the team may not be taking seriously enough is the current non-player staff of the Pirates (i.e. GM, manager, etc.). The GM dabbles- he never appears to have a clear strategic plan for the team. And does anyone trust the current Pirates manager to know what’s he’s doing if the team makes the playoffs anytime soon? He doesn’t even know what he’s doing during the regular season. An ability to focus on baseball fundamentals, or knowing how to manage a bullpen, are just two of his failings.
Not a casual MLB fan
The Milwaukee Brewers would like a word.
IsIt2025Already?
Shelton is almost as dumb as Mike Tomlin…
Goku the Knowledgable One
I agree with you seam,
But top-to-bottom pirates lineup has some ok guys 1-9 at least, when you factor in Cruz , IKF , Nicky G , Reynolds, McCutchen, KeBryan Hayes , Bart
They’re the kind of team that’s a flashy vet pickup away from making a real run.
But I wouldn’t trade Keller unless they’re getting another starter like Cease or Alcantara
Kellers contract and age make him pretty valuable in a trade
TheMan 3
When Shelton wrote his lineup card, he would often insert Connor Joe in the cleanup position.and Rowdy Tellez in the number 5 spot.
They didn’t have enough depth to make a difference so it was a crapshoot when it came to writing out the lineup
IsIt2025Already?
They need a RF and a SS, a closer and a LHRP if they want to sniff the playoffs.
Wagner>Cobb
Skenes absolutely should not sign an extension with them. Do your 6 years and get out.
TheMan 3
they won’t offer him an extension, they won’t spend that kind of money to keep him
Wagner>Cobb
They’ll offer some low ball nonsense to say they tried. He will say no and they’ll trade him in year 4 or 5.
RichardJarzynka
Nutting has previously given long-term contract extensions to Keller, Reynolds, Ke;Bryan Hayes, Andrew McCutchen, Starling Marte, Gregory Polanco, Josh Harrison, and Jose Tabata.
Wagner>Cobb
None of those guys commanded the salary that Skenes likely will, who is a Gerrit Cole-esque player.
wvsteve
I agree. The clock is ticking. Personally see the signs Nutting will sale within a few years.
Tugboat54
He owns a freaking Major League Baseball team. Don’t act like he is doing some great thing. The Tabata signing was in 2011. Still referring to that to support your lost cause?
gorav114
They wouldn’t sign him anyhow. Hes the perfect piece for them to flip late in arbitration for a huge haul to restock
TheMan 3
when they trade Skenes it will be for a combination of prospects and major league ready talent with at least 4 years of control
JPR
Restock for what? To produce the next set of players to trade for a haul to restock?
TheMan 3
yes, that’s the basic function of this franchise.
Rebuilding is their MO
This one belongs to the Reds
They do have one of the better rotations.
Seems odd that now that they put it together, they want to trade these people well before their shelf life is gone.
Led Hoyer
They have killer top 3. It sounds like they have some studs knocking on the door too. I think it’s insane to break that staff up for a bat. Pittsburgh should be all in these next 2-3 years. Go spend some money!
Tugboat54
Not with this Hillbilly owner.
leftcoaster
They could use Doval.
TheMan 3
they have enough .190 hitters
Alex O.
Maybe Boston will trade Mayer for him
JoeBrady
For whom. For Jones, maybe. For Keller, no. For Chandler, yes.
RussianFemboy
@joe
Chandler would be a good fit for Boston.
I think he’ll be a mid 3’s ERA guy that averages 170-200 k’s a season in his prime.
TheMan 3
Cherington isn’t exactly the brightest GM in baseball but he’s not going to trade any of the pitchers at Indy.
He relishes players who have 5 years of control at a lower salary
RunDMC
Maybe TEX? I would love to see another younger, improved Jerry Jones in Dallas-Ft Worth.
YourDreamGM
I’d imagine the Pirates would much rather have Campbell and he could get either one. Or Anthony if Boston wants to keep Campbell. Obviously Keller Jones have different value but either of those 2 could get a deal started.
EM41
Never, ever underestimate the capacity of Nutting and the Pirates to cut payroll.
TrillionaireTeamOperator
Not sure he’s really worth all that much… those ERA’s are cause for pause.
TheMan 3
he’s an innings eater who strikes out a lot of batters and led the league last year with the best swing and miss percentage
He’s also only 29 years old
Roguesaw2
Put him in front of Baltimore’s defense and see what happens to that ERA
YourDreamGM
Not all teams look at era so his value will be just fine.
NewSliderBeshens
The blueprint is teach the Roger Beshens Football Slider to all the pitchers and spend the money on the hitting. Skenes, Jones, Keller, all throw it and a few more, just fill in the gaps which shouldn’t be hard to do with what Roger Beshens taught Strom May 23, in the Dbacks Clubhouse.
Rsox
Not really. His overall career numbers show he averages just over one earned run every two innings. The Homer’s allowed aren’t terrible and the only somewhat pausing stat is the hit batsman which he was 4th in MLB last season, and even that’s expected for a guy who strikesout a lot of hitters
Wolfgang 3
What am I missing? Keller isn’t very good. Mid 4’s to low 4’s ERA.
tom brunanskys black sock
1987 called. It wants it stats back.
cwsOverhaul
The 90s called. It wants its “fill in the blank” called and wants its “fill in the blank” back saying back.
tom brunanskys black sock
@ cws
I hope you have a great day!
cwsOverhaul
Just messing with you b/c the saying is as old as what you critiqued of the poster about a stat he cited. No worries
YourDreamGM
Era is pretty useless but if you look at it you will see it’s 3 something in 1st half 5 something 2nd half. Guy needs a better trainer and or better game usage. He has starter build. Starter mix. No reason for this.
JoeBrady
If you don’t like ERA, then you should suggest an alternative stat to judge him by. His FIP over the past two years is only slightly better than his ERA, so that slightly better than league average.
But more importantly, several of his stats (FIP, OPS, velocity, EV, GB/FB) all too a dive.
RussianFemboy
ERA isnt everything.
Ma4170
ERA is still important. No sense in diminishing runs allowed by pitchers. FIP and xFIP support his ERA is representative. He’s someone who will consistently average giving up 4 runs per 9 inn.
JoeBrady
Then explain why you think he is better than mediocre.
Samuel
Joe;
Starting pitchers are dropping like fly’s to injuries. If he stays healthy he’s an experienced ML pitcher and an asset.
Keller is not mediocre. He can eat some innings the same way, say, Ben Lively did for Cleveland in 2024.
Pirates fans like him. But while respected am not so sure that he’s held in particularly high regard around MLB. This offseason he might be a nice get for a team like the Mets; but if moved it would be best in-season when a contender has a starting pitcher go down….and Mr. Keller is pitching OK.
JoeBrady
Oh he’s definitely an asset, but at $18M and at ~ a league-average ERA/FIP, there is no much excess value to target.
Samuel
Bingo! You got it!!
“Ben Lively signed a 1 year , $2,250,000 contract with the Cleveland Guardians, including $2,250,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $2,250,000. In 2025, Lively will earn a base salary of $2,250,000, while carrying a total salary of $2,250,000.”
IsIt2025Already?
Pirates have a terrible defense. Look at his FIP and xFIP. Keller’s a solid #2 or 3 SP for a lot of clubs particularly those who have quality defenders behind their SPs.
Ma4170
Both are 3.92 last three years. He would be a very weak number 2. Agree he’s a 3 on most teams.
bravesfan
I’m not really sure why the pirates would put this in the universe. At some point you have to stop rebuilding and go for it
TrillionaireTeamOperator
The Pirates are another organization with a notoriously cheap ownership that can actually basically afford the team they field and the contract extensions they sign their players to, but whenever those don’t result in playoff runs or sustained playoff appearances, they throw in the towel and want to blow up the most expensive pieces and start again- taking the same approach, hoping for the desired results they never quite achieve, by selling high and acquiring currently prospects that they will go out of their way to make expensive-ish before they actually manage to put together a full squad that can go the distance- so they blow the team up, collect prospects, etc.
TheMan 3
rebuilding is a cornerstone of this franchise ever since Nutting bought the organization
troy
Actually it goes back another two ownership groups
NorthShore643
It didn’t come from the Pirates. They are bad enough at PR, they don’t any help. It’s nothing more than a another jab at the Pirates from another team’s source.
gorav114
The Os have to at least see what it would take right? They easily have the pieces to get Keller.
jimmyz
On paper the Orioles line up well for a Keller deal. Pirates need young, controllable hitters and Orioles need established MLB pitching. I think a Kjerstad for Keller framework with other pieces going both ways to balance the calculus isn’t a bad idea for either side.
Tigersin2050
If Buehler gets out of Detroit’s price range, I could see Keller being another option for Chris Fetter to work with and eat up some big innings, especially in a friendly ballpark.
Lalo says show me
Pirates have a better than decent rotation, headlined by skenes, but let’s not talk about this group like it’s the 90s Braves pitchers.
I don’t know how much they’d really get in return for these starters being talked about.
Ownership needs to open up their pockets and sign some decent offensive talent.
TheMan 3
it’s never been in the DNA of this franchise to open up the pockets and spend any amount of money to improve the team.
They sign free agents in the $2-4 million dollar range and are usually throw aways that offer teams don’t want
YourDreamGM
Would be a massive return. Why it likely won’t happen. Teams would have Cease crochet if they wwre willing to trade their young players.
NewSliderBeshens
Notice the Dodgers and Red Sox loading up on Roger Beshens Football Slider guys this off season. Think about how the Dbacks went after Erod and Monty last year!!! That’s a organization defect if there ever was one.
mlb1225
Alex Stumpf on the NS9 podcast seemed to downplay the rumor, Hope the Pirates keep both, unless it’s for something crazy.
bigdaddyk
It makes sense to trade Keller for a cost controlled bat maybe 2.
Keller is similar to Flarriety
I would also think they use the 22 million they spent on Taylor Perez and Champen on another hitter
YourDreamGM
How he down play it? They had discussions on Keller. It’s true. Can’t down play it.
NewSliderBeshens
Keller needs to throw more Roger Beshens Football Sliders.
Musgrove went more cutters after he cashed in on the RB Football Slider but you know what happens when don’t give credit where due. Joe no 2025.
mlb1225
Call the Pirates cheap all you want, but it’s still not really their M.O. to trade a guy they just extended with so much control left either. Parts of their last decent core they extended, like Cutch, Harrisn, Polanco, Cervelli, each either played out their contract or were traded/let go in the last year of their extension. Only one I can really think of who was traded with more than one season left after being extended within the last 10 years or so is Starling Marte.
bigdaddyk
Not sure its being cheap it relocating assets. They need hitting and can trade Keller for it.
HatlessPete
As he should. It’s basically the thinnest, most noncommittal indicator of a possible deal in baseball media speak. Every offseason and deadline we hear numerous reports that teams are willing to listen on guys and when it’s described that way most of the guys don’t go anywhere. At most this might indicate that the pirates would entertain a desperate offer for Keller that is too rich to ignore in an offseason where quality SPs have been quite pricey. I don’t take this to mean that they specifically “need” or intend to move keller.
mlb1225
I agree, I think it’s somewhat overblown, and the most they said is that they’re willing to move him for a deal no team would ever refuse.
PiratesPundit51
Seriously, if the Athletics came calling with Bleday AND Butler AND would throw in Hoglund on the side, how could you possibly hold onto Keller? Not saying that’s going to happen at this stage of the offseason, but the desperation could grow as the offseason progresses. Baltimore, in particular, might consider sending some really good regulars for someone like Keller.
Mikenmn
Interesting quandary for a pitcher being offered a sizable but below-intrinsic-value extension from a lower revenue team. Do you take it, locking in life-changing (if not full value) money, or gamble on yourself? Especially when you know your signing team could flip you because your contract is under-valued?
whyhayzee
With all the snow, Skenes excellent in New England.
metsin4
Keller to the Mets for Gilbert, Mauricio, Baty and Marte( Mets pay significant portion of contract).
TheMan 3
The Mets would have to pay all of Marte’s contract
The Bucs want to cut payroll not add to it
metsin4
I think they would still have to pay the league min and the Mets would do that. I don’t know if they are necessarily trying to reduce payroll. They just want offense and trading a starter is the only way they think they can do it without adding salary.
TheMan 3
if trading a starter for an offensive player was their only goal, then why not trade one of the younger pitchers who only earns the major league minimum?
metsin4
Well I think they are trying to trade Jones more. I think they are seeing what brings back the most value. I wouldn’t trade either if I was the Pirates but as a Mets fan I definitely would take either.
bigdaddyk
They don’t want to cut payroll they want to trade pitchers for hitters because they have a ton of pitchers. Keller was always getting traded he is pushing 30 and will be surpassed by Bubba soon.
Frosted Lemonade
When will we start hearing that Skenes is available? I hope for the Pirates’ sake that the return for Skenes is better than the Gerrit Cole trade, but I doubt it. It’s a sad state of affairs that the Pirates are the dumpster fire of North American professional sports.
YourDreamGM
Skenes is available. Every player is available.
yick04
Keller is maybe a 3 on a contender.
TJECK109
And you see how much cash a #3 on a contender is commanding?
Now compare that to Keller and it increases his value
YourDreamGM
3 on any teams. Just because a team sucks wouldn’t make him a 1
bigdaddyk
He is Jack Flarety
davemlaw
Hopefully they don’t trade Keller.
Bucs don’t have a great track record for keeping players around. This guy has been a Pirate his whole career and done nothing but take the ball and give them good bulk innings. They need offense but shouldn’t trade a stalwart like this dude.
But if they do trade him I hope the Giants swoop in.
YourDreamGM
Yeah he loves Pittsburgh. Cherington is a mercenary.
Swingandamiss
I went to a Skenes start in August and the place was packed. If you build it, they will come. Ownership needs to do the thing or get off the pot. That city deserves it.
YourDreamGM
Must have been August 1st because most of August and September they didn’t show up to see him.
Johhos
Orioles have to make a phone call at least. They have the prospects.
FOmeOLS
Folks in Baltimore are talking about trading for Jones, and personally I’m happy to just back up the truck and let Pittsburgh have whatever they want.
Mayo and a bunch of top-10 prospects should do it…hopefully
YourDreamGM
Fans like to dream. GMs like to hug and hold prospects.
Mercenary.Freddie.Freeman
Pirates must be trying to lose. Got it!
Wagner>Cobb
Reynolds is a good hitter, but can’t carry a lineup by himself. Joey Bart looks legit, but also won’t carry a lineup. Horwitz appears to be solid too. Everyone else is a huge question mark, and probably the only guy with the upside to provide elite production is Cruz…and it really hasn’t been there for him yet. 2.5 WAR and 113 OPS+. This lineup is crying out for a top tier hitter though.
Samuel
Wagner>Cobb;
Not putting this on you, but there are a lot of comments here saying similar things.
There’s more to winning in MLB than pitcher K’s vs. W’s; Fly ball vs. Ground Ball ratio; and Hitters OBP and OPS. There’s team defense: Individuals making plays and throwing the ball to the right place on the field with a teammate positioned correctly to catch it and then either tag a runner or throw it. There’s baserunning and situational hitting” Knowing how to read the game situation and then take the right actions.
If one actually watches the Pirates play, they’ll notice that their players don’t do things in the paragraph above very well. Every year long-time Pirates fans come on here and point out the mental lapses and not just the players inability to play strong fundamental baseball, but the fact that most don’t care about that enough to make changes, and seem to fluff bad plays off. Much of this is on the manager (as Pirates fans endlessly have pointed out the past few years), and some on the GM that allows the situation to continue.
–
I had a lot of hopes for this rebuild. Watch a lot of MLB games. The Pirates are one of poorest disinclined and lowest Baseball IQ teams in MLB, and maybe even the current gold standard. They have some nice players that could be valuable in roles with some quality teams. Mr. Keller is one of those.
YourDreamGM
Hardly any ?s. Gonzales is what he is average. Triolo is what he is. Hayes isn’t a ? No jelly he’s toast unless they find a miracle cure. Endy average. Cruz above average to good. Just need a rf and it’s set. Only ?s are upside. Can they get Jack on track? Can Endy become above average? Can they teach Davis to hit? Probably have to teach himself like everyone else. Ikf Triolo what they are.
TheMan 3
whoever makes the best offer of a major league ready outfielder who has 5 years of control before free agency will get Keller
That’s what they are looking for
HatlessPete
Unless that outfielder happens to be a very projectable and well regarded prospect and the acquiring team kicks more into the package beyond that they aren’t getting keller imo.
TheMan 3
Cherington has said that he wants a major league ready player with team control of at least 4 years
HatlessPete
That doesn’t mean that’s all he wants though
Acoss1331
I hope the Pirates keep Keller. This franchise has the talent, the city and fanbase deserve a winning product on the field.
TheMan 3
After Kevin McClatchey bought the franchise, he said that if a new stadium could be constructed, the Pirates would be competitive in 5 years
So the taxpayers funded the construction of PNC Park and the fans had to wait 13 years for the Pirates to be competitive
Here it’s been 9 years since they last made the playoffs and the owner wants to dump salaries again
It’s a never ending cycle with this franchise
YourDreamGM
I hope they trade him. Either makes team better or gets Cherington fired.
NewSliderBeshens
Keller has a Roger Beshens Football Slider problem that needs attention.
O'sSayCanYouSee
The Pirates are nuts to even discuss moving Jones. (And to that end, every team should be calling about him…5 years of control on an arm that just came back from TJ? Fee comparables I can think of).
Keller makes more sense, but returns less, and is still odd.
Jared Jones to SD for Jackson Merrill??
TheMan 3
Jones didn’t have TJ surgery, Oviedo did
O'sSayCanYouSee
Ah, good catch, my b, miss-read article. Good on ya’
YourDreamGM
Pirates make that trade but doubt SD would be interested.
You trade Jones because of his size. He might hold up but you would rather have someone built like cole Skeenes.
Why wouldn’t you discuss it? What if someone makes you a offer that makes your team better? Need to discuss it to find out.
tikiagedola
One of the worst hof players. Dave parker
TheMan 3
yeah, his 2 batting titles, 3 Gold Gloves, 4 Silver Slugger awards, 1978 MVP, 1979 All Star MVP, 2 World Series Championships, 339 Homers, over 1400 RBI says differently
tikiagedola
1995 called. ^^
YourDreamGM
Many worse than him. Top 100 worse sure. Top probably. But plenty worse.
And way to go captain obvious. Obviously he is one of the weaker ones waiting this long.
Who cares about this garbage hall of fame anyways. I only care about mine that has Kenny Lofton in it.
TheMan 3
Al Oliver deserves it too
YourDreamGM
Hard no on Oliver. All he did was hit yet only 1 batting title. No bases. No hrs. No gg. No MVP. Not in my hall and don’t think he ever gets into the other one unless they get desperate and run out of players.
BuccoFan1956
Sure have another hit
tikiagedola
ok homer
TJECK109
Ok hater
tikiagedola
Ah yes. A hater of the 50 HOFers who don’t deserve it. All advance stats say he doesn’t deserve it. It is funny when people are biased towards a person just because they played for a corporation in their city
TheMan 3
advanced stats weren’t used during Parker’s era in baseball
PiratesPundit51
Harold Baines says hold my beer.
mikep2k
I think the O’s should be in on Jones to a greater extent than Keller. Higher upside but Keller does come with more salary control.
NorthShore643
It’s articles like the one Pittsburgh Post Gazette put out that keeps the Pirates the laughing stock of baseball. Of course they are listening. That doesn’t mean either is going anywhere unless a team offers a huge overpay for MLB talent. This isn’t a salary dump. You trade Keller and his $15Mish salary and you go get a power hitter and/or bullpen help for 2025 and beyond. This is a non-story from comments made outside of the Pirates organization.
TheMan 3
apparently you don’t know how this team operates
It’s a salary dump
NorthShore643
I follow the Pirates every closely. Noah Hiles stated last evening this was overblown by the fans. Nutting is cheap. We get it. You trade Keller if and only if the return is for MLB talent. Save on Keller to spend elsewhere. Again, this didn’t come from the Pirates.
TheMan 3
when you can show credentials that prove your claim, I will give it some consideration but instead you come across as a know it all
NorthShore643
youtu.be/170UGFZXH3k?si=j0hnm57f4_uY8aOB
Someone who goes by “TheMan” calling another a “know it all” says a lot.
TheMan 3
a you tube link?
see you later
NorthShore643
You obviously don’t know Noah Hiles. He butchered the article and has spent the last few days, including this chat, backtracking. Subscribe to the Post-Gazette.
Read this article. You’ll see I’m right.
steelcitypirates.com/2024/12/13/are-the-pirates-ac…
BigV
If they would just spend an extra $30 million in player payroll they could keep him and fill some holes. The Pirates payroll should be in the $120-$130 million range imo every year
holecamels35
I thought they were through the “rebuilding” phase of the roster construction. Did they try to contend for one year and are back to starting over? Sure hope not. As a fan, I really can’t take this anymore.
Big country
The payroll is at about 65 million right now. They could bring Santana and Cutch back, sign a quality right fielder like Randel Grichuk and still be under 90 million
YourDreamGM
Most any small market team has ever spent is 130m. And that’s with much more attendance than Pirates fans provide and home playoff games revenue. Not a single wild card game either but league championship world series games. Either they can’t spend or won’t spend but it doesn’t matter. Nutting isn’t going to be the one to break through the ceiling. He will spend 100. 120 130 isn’t happening until fans start going to games and team goes to world series.
holecamels35
I get that and have come to accept it, but their payroll is barely 80m at most and absolutely should not be getting cut, especially when they are on an upward trajectory. There’s literally no point in having Skenes here if they aren’t going to try to win and keep a dominant rotation.
YourDreamGM
I don’t give a it about payroll. Walker would cost 20 some million 25. Goldschmidt 15 20. Santana 7 10. Horowitz zero. Any of those work. If they got Walker Goldschmidt payroll would be 100m. Horowitz keeps it at 80m. I don’t care.
They can sign one of the 20 to 30 million guys, sign Winker for half that or trade for a guy making nothing.
I don’t care if payroll is 120 or 80 as long as they fill the holes. Hope it’s 80. Goal of business is to run as efficiently as possible.
Mike Adamson
Bob Nutting needs to sell! MLB needs to get involved!
Old York
The Pirates are just exploiting the inflated pitching market by presenting Mitch Keller as a cost-effective alternative to high-priced free agents. Keller is a below league average pitcher so not worth considering for too many teams.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Keller is not a below average pitcher, he is a young solid average pitcher. There is a market for him. The Ortiz and prospects for Horwitz deal seemed even and I like it for Pirates who have an above average starting pitching and a well below average lineup for batting.
Old York
While Keller may be considered an ‘average pitcher’ by some, the metrics suggest he’s at best slightly above average and closer to below average in key areas that matter in today’s pitching market. His 4.25 ERA in 2024 and declining strikeout rate (21.5%, down from 25.5% in 2023) reflect a pitcher trending in the wrong direction. Additionally, his velocity has dropped year-over-year, which raises concerns about sustainability as he ages.
Calling the Ortiz-Horwitz deal ‘even’ also oversimplifies the evaluation. Horwitz is a league-average bat with limited defensive flexibility, filling a short-term need rather than addressing systemic lineup weaknesses. Trading Keller—an asset with four years of team control—for a similarly ‘average’ hitter would further fail to address the Pirates’ need for upside or foundational improvements to their batting core.
The Pirates’ pitching depth does mitigate the impact of losing Keller, but this market strategy isn’t about ‘liking’ trades—it’s about extracting maximum value from assets, which includes recognizing Keller’s trending vulnerabilities and capitalizing before his value diminishes.
YourDreamGM
Horowitz has a 800 something ops. Might get to 900 in Pittsburgh. Definitely not average and Pirates don’t need position flexibility. Most there players can play multiple positions and 2 of the are 2 of them are super utility.
Keller pitches to 3 era 1st half. 5 era 2nd half. Teams will believe they have the program to get him through the entire season.
itsmeheyhii
Not sure if the Yanks would be able to match up on a trade for him but I would love to add Keller. Dude is so consistent.
Makes him one of my favorites to bet on too, he always seems to be undervalued by the sportsbooks.
YourDreamGM
Would take Dominguez probably and Cashman doesn’t want to trade him. Yankees don’t need Keller either. Their rotation is set.
itsmeheyhii
Yeah, it would definitely be a luxury not a need.
1979andcounting
Trading Keller is absolutely a possibility. Bob would love to get $15M off the books for 2025 and $69.5M total remaining due Keller. BC may not like it, but if Bob nudges him, consider it done.
TheMan 3
I also believe Nutting is having regrets about signing Hayes to a long term contract and might fear that an injury to Keller would cost him more money to replace him
YourDreamGM
Keller contract has massive surplus. Can dump it even in middle of tj surgery. He’s just listening as he should.
holecamels35
Why sign him if they are interested in trading him? Not every prospect is Paul Skenes or Jared Jones. Have to spend money somewhere. Do not let a GM who really shouldn’t be here ruin this team on his way out. I know his ERA isn’t amazing but he knows how to pitch and gives them reliable innings and is a super bargain when you look around the league.
YourDreamGM
You trade anyone if it’s a win. They listen on everyone. Unfortunately don’t pull the trigger often or Bednar would have been gone already.
IndianaBob
Mitch has an 15.4 million a year average salary through 2028. xera of low 4s the last three years. Projected for 182 IP this year. That has a lot of surplus value in today’s pitching market. They ought to be be able to get done good prospect value.
YourDreamGM
Even more than that. Teams will look at his splits and will think they can strengthen him up.
Logjammer D"Baggagecling
Mitch Keller will be the first domino to fall then Jones then in 3-4 years Skenes.
Big country
I guess it makes sense but at the same time you have to add to the team and not with prospects. They have money and need at least a 2nd basemen, resign Cutch and sign or trade for a quality right fielder.
YourDreamGM
They don’t need a 2b and good because kim is the only one available in free agency.
TJECK109
Only way to make this deal is if you get a quality package and off load Hayes as well.
Pipe dream I know.
jmac70
pirates owner needs to stop being so cheap. Sell the team
YourDreamGM
Season has started yet.
MacGromit
I appreciate how tight lipped the Baltimore FO has been since Elias took over. The flip side of that is that “hope springs eternal” in dreaming that they are in the backroom making deals like this/these for Keller and/or Jones to maximize the benefit of Skenes’ window of opportunity before he reaches free agency and becomes a Yankee or Dodger.
We’ll see. Still, Orioles fans read this article with particularly drooling mouths agape. I know, I did.
Which, as CamdenChat’s editor, Mark Brown says: “which means likely nothing will become of it”.
YourDreamGM
It’s hard when both gms are good at trading.
And the answer for both teams is just spend $. They can both spend 30 40 million and it would take care of all their needs.
JoeBrady
The Pirates should be asking the RS about Abreu.
Troutahni
I agree. Once you have the arms, go spend some money to improve the offense. The players that drop lower in the pecking order, due to adding depth, can be traded for bullpen arms. They should be targeting Ha-Seong Kim for SS now that Cruz is in CF. Teoscar would be a perfect fit for the Pirates, but to keep their payroll under control they could sign Austin Hays and Winker. With their current pitching staff and a slightly above average lineup, they could win the NL Central and be very competitive in the playoffs.
Troutahni
When the Pirates ate winning they draw very well. They can offset the new costs by increased local revenue. T to me it seems the Pirates and the Reds run their franchises similarly and they are both in the same division. With ST. Louis floundering and the Cubs playing consistent.. 500 baseball, both teams have a legitimate shot at winning the NL Central.
YourDreamGM
Should sign Goldschmidt unless it gets crazy for him. What you think Pirates fans? Is he a star? Would you feel good? Lil excitement?
I think he is star but even a bigger star for fans of central teams who seen him more. And he can still play. Good not great player now but still a star. Get Winker. Couple pen arms. I think the attendance increase will pay for all of this.
mets1977
Keller for Jeff McNeil and prospect in the 10-15 range
YourDreamGM
Yankees fans with Andujar Frazier is better offer than that. Get out of here. You keep and enjoy McNeil.
joew
Pirates listen on any one who is not per-arbitration. They’d be dumb not to. Part of it maybe that they want to crack the door for the deadline and if prospects come up good they can trade Keller to save those millions while making room.
Keller has been one of the generally steady guys the past few years. With team control, probably would take a bit to pry him away. A 2-4fWAR type position player with a bat and average defense that has comparable control.. or a hot shot prospect as headlines.
YourDreamGM
Just anyone period. Jones pre arbitration.
CATS44
Realistically, Pittsburgh is not yet ‘close’ to much of anything.
They finished last in the NLC, 19 games back. They finished 13 out of the final WC.
That can be done, but its hardly likely. KC did it last year by spending tons of money, which ain’t happening in Pittsburgh. The Marlins had a freak year in 2023, by outperforming their Pythagoran by nine games. But the Pirates need a lot more offense to compete, not just one new bat and a handful of bounce back candidates.
It would take a massive amount of great, not just good, fortune. A .500 season would be a very high achievement.
YourDreamGM
Last year’s record is irrelevant. Cruz played ss last year so that cost a few wins. Didn’t have a 1b for 3 months. This new guy can’t hit lhp but should be good vs RHP. Reynolds or platoon can handle the rest. Didn’t have Skenes Bart all year. Didn’t have Bednar all year. Might not this year but if he doesn’t have it this year the leash will be shorter well youbl would think. Played last year without a cf and without a rf. Cruz takes care of cf and you hope they get rf.
Not saying much but most promising season since 2016
TheMan 3
I read that Bednar lost a significant chunk of weight since the season ended and has been working on his mechanics which was primarily his problem this past season
holecamels35
No one is really dominating that division. And are we forgetting about the Royals. Who were much, much worse and turned it around. I’m
joew
Pirates were 500 at the break dispite a horrible april. shortly after the deadline they tanked,
Pittsburgh is continuing to rely on the word “if” If the franchise figures out how to develop these guys at the mlb level then they got something that could look like a play off team going into September.
TheMan 3
acquiring DLC they immediately lost 10 consecutive games
wvpirate
Tired of owner Nutting being so greedy. If he doesn’t want to sell the entire team at least add some co-owners that will invest some money. At this point who would want to sign with the Pirates. Unless it’s to play more and build up to a better contract. Love the city and the stadium. Hate the owner! The Pirates and its fans deserve better!
YourDreamGM
Most players will sign with whoever pays them. That’s not Nutting or any small market.
Braves_saints_celts
I wouldn’t mind the braves trading for Keller, or Castillo from the mariners. They are both locked up in reasonable deals, something the braves like to do, Castillo more to replace fried, Keller more to replace Morton, but if the braves could trade for Jared that would be even better, but I don’t see them trading him to anyone unless the offer absolutely jumps off the table. I wonder if buehler would be this years sale if the braves were to nab him, or maybe even try their best to nab sasaki breaking the braves longstanding drought of not dabbling in the asian markets. Also non pitchers to throw out there i wouldn’t mind the braves getting either ha or hye seong kim to man short. We have arcia to be a stopgap while ha gets healthy or if hye needs an adjustment period.just some of my personal thoughts. To quiet on the braves front right now!
Dr.Oxycontin
A GM isn’t doing his job if he is not listening to everything on everyone; however, I believe this story is a nothing burger.
Sorinotsori
I think he’d be awesome if he gets out of there.
Mike Totos
Consider this.. In 2008 Nate McClouth had a decent season and made the All Star team (our lone representative). Neal Huntington signed him to a contract extension. But then early in the 2009 season he was traded to the Braves.. Seemed kinda crazy, but we got Charlie Morton and Jeff Locke in return. Both of them ended up key pieces to an excellent rotation that got us to “CUEEEEEEE-TO!!!” and that era lol. The McClouth contract extension coupled with an All Star season peaked his value as a trade asset, a proven Big League All Star under team control for a few years. But most importantly, moving Nate McClouth also paved the way for a guy named Cutch to get the call and take over in CF. Rest is history there.
Perhaps there is a similar line of thinking here. In life, anything is for sale for the right price. If a proven All Star starter like Keller (who is under contract for several years) can bring in a big return, why not? Or if Jones’ flashes of brilliance and limited success at the MLB level makes him a valuable commodity, again, why not? One of those guys could be your Nate McClouth in a way. Trade Keller and his salary for a corner OF bat with a similar salary, and pave the way for Bubba Chandler et al. Just saying, you might get a much better return for Keller or Jones than you would for Chandler, Harrington, etc. Trading McClouth brought back two solid starters and opened the door for Cutch back in the day. Perhaps moving Keller or Jones brings back a key lineup piece or two but then also opens the door for one of our top pitching prospects.
Just some food for thought..
Trust me, I DESPISE Bottom Line Bob as much as anybody, but if these rumors were money driven, it would only be Keller mentioned and not Jones. Jones ain’t getting paid squat for several years.
Bucco79
Trade Keller for JJ Bleday. Then use the money they save (plus a little extra) and sign Teoscar Hernandez. Make playoffs.
YourDreamGM
JJ doesn’t seem available.
Bucco79
Everyone is available. Although I’m sure I would cost more than just Keller.
MrMainStreet
As usual, Mark Madden calls out Nutting for what he is in today’s Trib. If you only listen to Madden, you’re not getting the point. He puts on his shock jock persona for ratings points only. It’s a shtick
But his columns are always spot on. Always. No matter the sport
Nutting is a profiteer. Nothing more. It’s his focus. And as long as he’s in charge, it’ll never change. He’s reaping incredible revenue while spending very little. Joke of a franchise. Pathetic owner
The Ortiz trade was a sick joke. Floating Keller and Jones is just unconscionable. It’s the Nutting Way. The Mister Potter of MLB
YourDreamGM
Eduardo date rap you and steal your phone?
MrMainStreet
I get restless and bored with my nicknames. Instead of having numerous accounts like some, I’d rather change my nick. Unfortunately, that’s not doable here
But thanks for keeping track
As for that crack you threw in, your wife wanted me to say Hello. Please tell her to quit calling my house
YourDreamGM
You must admit that was pretty good right? What else you got? Think Pirates have a chance at 500? Better? What’s on your wish list? Payroll getting to 80 90 100?
Gotta get RF. 2 relievers. I say get a 1b if the price is right. Horowitz as a platoon only starts 60%. So Goldschmidt Santana Horowitz could DH 30% of time as Cutch needs off days. Horowitz can play a bad 2b 10% rf pnc 20% of time. They can work something out.
MrMainStreet
Dream, I enjoy your postings here and throughout the site. Glad you can give and take where jokes are concerned
I’ll make my annual w/l prediction when spring approaches. I know you look forward to it. Last 4 or 5 seasons, I’ve been right on target
At the end of the season, we said they needed 1 or 2 bigger bats and felt they’d opt for none. I’ll let the optimists use the words “if” and “hope” as they tell us they see a playoff run
That is, right after I mute bright eyes
Nutting is predictable, if nothing else
He laughs all the way to the bank
But trading Ortiz for a question mark, floating Keller?
The next rebuild must be right around the corner