The Boston Red Sox need starting pitching, and the Pittsburgh Pirates have it. The Red Sox are looking to buy, while the last-place Pirates should be sellers.
That makes the two teams ideal trading partners leading up to next week’s MLB Trade Deadline, especially since Pittsburgh general manager Ben Cherington used to work for Boston. While Paul Skenes isn’t for sale, the Pirates may be willing to part ways with a different All-Star in their rotation, especially if they’re getting a bat in return.
According to MLB insider Mark Feinsand, Mitch Keller could be a good trade target for the Red Sox, who appear to be seeking a controllable starting pitcher at the deadline.
“I think the thing that the Red Sox are looking for more than anything else is a controllable starting pitcher to pair with (Garrett) Crochet at the top of that rotation,” Feinsand said during his Friday appearance on MLB Network, adding that a Keller trade “makes a lot of sense for both sides.”
Keller, 29, is having another strong season for Pittsburgh. While his record is only 4-10 due to poor run support, the 2023 National League All-Star has a 3.53 ERA, 15 quality starts (tied for most in MLB) and 2.0 WAR in 21 starts this year.
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The veteran righty is in the second year of a five-year, $77 million extension that runs through 2028, so he still has three more years of team control after this one.
Meanwhile, the Pirates desperately need offense. They rank last in MLB in several hitting categories, including runs per game (3.40), slugging percentage (.342) and OPS (.643).
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With its logjam of outfielders and young position player prospects, Boston has hitting to spare. Craig Breslow also has a relationship with Cherington, who was the Red Sox GM when Breslow pitched for Boston from 2012 to 2015.
Accordingly, don’t be surprised if the two make a deal over the next few days.
Featured image via Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images
