MLB Rumors: Red Sox, Yankees ‘Remain Interested’ In Pirates Pitcher

The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees are among the teams interested in acquiring a 29-year-old Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star starting pitcher.

According to Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “Multiple teams still remain interested (in Mitch Keller), with the (New York) Yankees, (Chicago) Cubs, (New York) Mets and Red Sox all having reached out.

“The Pirates could also look to move Keller this offseason, a notion one source claims could give the club better odds of landing an established big-league hitter in return.”

Keller, signed through 2028 on a five-year, $77 million contract, is having a career-best season, posting a 3.69 ERA and 1.20 WHIP over 22 starts, with 100 strikeouts in 127 innings entering Wednesday.

Despite his 4-10 record, largely due to Pittsburgh’s league-worst 367 runs scored, Keller has been a reliable arm, going 3-0 with a 2.73 ERA in his last six starts.

The Pirates, sitting at 46-62, are open to offers but reportedly demand a steep return, likely targeting a proven major-league hitter to address their offensive struggles.

For Boston, currently holding the second American League Wild Card spot, Keller could provide important depth behind ace Garrett Crochet.

However, competition from the Yankees, Mets, and Cubs may drive up the cost, and a trade could be cut out by Pittsburgh’s willingness to wait until the offseason for a better Keller deal.

The Red Sox were set to wrap up their series with the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday afternoon, with Brayan Bello on the mound.