If the Pittsburgh Pirates are going to trade anyone this offseason, it seems like it’ll be one of their veterans in Mitch Keller or Bryan Reynolds.
There is reason to believe that moving on from both players would be a wise decision for the Pirates.
While I understand they need offensive help, with Reynolds’ contract situation in play, it might not be the worst idea to move on from him and try to replace him with multiple bats for the same price. Reynolds frankly hasn’t been that great over the past few seasons.
However, it’s still fair to question what both players might go for in any potential trade.
The Pirates moving on from players just to move on from them doesn’t make sense, so they have to ensure they get a decent deal. Alex Stumpf of MLB.com had the latest insight on what a deal might be for both players.
“I don't think it's as high as what the public might think it is. Keller is a good, reliable pitcher whose contract mostly reflects that. I think most clubs view him as a good middle-of-the-rotation arm rather than a No. 2 or All-Star. I think he could be dealt for either a proven MLB bat with less team control or an unproven prospect/young Major Leaguer with upside but less of a track record.
“I don't want to say he's over the hill. The first couple months of this season were rough, but he had an .816 OPS after the All-Star break, which is right in line with his career average. He downplayed the shoulder injury when I asked him if it impacted the first half of the season, but I have suspicions. No question he needs to have a bounce back year if this offense is going to improve,” he wrote.
If I’m trading one player this offseason for the Pirates, it’d be Keller.
I understand the appeal around keeping a veteran arm in town, but I also don’t think it’s the worst idea to move on from him and try to get a proven bat in return.
As he touched on, it’s possible he could be traded for a proven MLB bat with less team control, which to me would be a nice outcome.
The Pirates need all the offensive help they can get, and if trading Keller allows that, I’d love it.