A’s Targeting Pirates’ Mitch Keller as Pitching Market Heats Up
The baseball world is buzzing as the pitching market kicks into high gear. The recent moves by the Toronto Blue Jays, who secured Dylan Cease, and the Boston Red Sox, who concluded a deal with St. Louis for Sonny Gray, have set the stage for a flurry of activity. Amidst this backdrop, the Oakland Athletics are eyeing a blockbuster trade to bolster their pitching staff.
Challenges in Free Agency
Despite having options in free agency, the A’s face significant hurdles in attracting talent. With the team playing at a minor league stadium for at least the next two seasons, free agents may hesitate to sign on. However, optimism brews as the A’s anticipate relocating to Las Vegas for the 2028 season. This transition could pave the way for a more appealing environment for prospective players.
Consequently, the A’s are likely to lean towards the trade market to address their pressing needs, particularly in pitching and at third base. Last offseason, they successfully acquired veteran left-hander Jeffrey Springs in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, demonstrating their willingness to swap assets for established players.
Pirates’ Mitch Keller as a Prime Target
This offseason, the A’s are reportedly eyeing another veteran starter, and the Pittsburgh Pirates could prove to be an ideal trade partner. As the Pirates look to bolster their lineup with hitters, they are open to parting ways with their standout pitcher, Mitch Keller. The former All-Star has been a cornerstone of the Pirates’ rotation throughout his seven-year career, consistently delivering strong performances.
Keller’s durability stands out, having pitched over 175 innings in each of the last three seasons. His statistics reflect his reliability on the mound: a 4.19 ERA, a 4.02 FIP, and a 1.23 WHIP illustrate his capacity to compete at a high level.
The A’s Strategic Approach
In pursuing Keller, the A’s would not only enhance their pitching depth but also secure a seasoned arm capable of leading their rotation. The potential acquisition aligns with their broader strategy of building a competitive roster while navigating the complexities of their current playing situation.
As the offseason unfolds, the A’s are poised to make a significant move that could reshape their future. With the pitching market gaining momentum, all eyes will be on Oakland and its pursuit of Mitch Keller. The dynamics of trade negotiations will be crucial as the A’s look to turn challenges into opportunities in their quest for a stronger team.
