The New York Mets have been aggressive this offseason, but their work may not be finished due to how bad the pitching staff is. For that reason, someone like Mitch Keller of the Pittsburgh Pirates could be in play.
Trade season is far from over around Major League Baseball, and both the Mets and Pirates could use some help on opposite sides. The Mets seem fine offensively, while the Pirates need to add offensively, but are more than OK on the mound.
Starting pitching continues to stand out as the most pressing concern for a team trying to win the World Series.
TJ French of Heavy Sports believes there's a possible trade to be made, proposing one that would send Keller to the Mets.
“While also staying connected to all the top free agents, reports from Mets insiders indicate the team might also be turning its attention to the trade market to see what value is out there. The biggest remaining needs for New York are an outfielder and starting pitching. A potential arm out on the trade market that the Mets could be intrigued by is Pittsburgh Pirates starter Mitch Keller…
“In this player-swap trade idea, the Mets land Mitch Keller in exchange for sixth-ranked prospect Jacob Reimer. The Buccos need bats that can be developed for the future, and New York aims to win now after having a busy (and house-cleaning) offseason,” he wrote.
From the Mets' side of things, this is the type of trade that makes plenty of sense.
Keller isn’t an ace, but he provides innings and that’s something the Mets currently need.
The Pirates remain in a long-term situation and have shown a willingness to listen on veterans if the return is up to par. Jacob Reimer isn’t great, but if the Mets take on all of Keller’s salary, it’d be something to consider.
The one issue for the Pirates is that they need offensive help now, and he wouldn't provide that. While Keller might not have a huge role in this rotation right now, he's also a proven veteran who, at the very least, can eat innings and get outs at the highest level.