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Mitch Keller could be a target for the pitching-needy Boston Red Sox.
After a shocking move to sign infielder Bo Bichette to a three-year, $126 million deal just this week, the New York Mets appear to be heating up this hot stove season and are certainly in the market to make another big splash or two.
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.
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Mets Trade Idea Lands Mitch Keller
The Pittsburgh Pirates might be looking to free up payroll heading into the 2026 season, as they have signed a couple of players this offseason, and as everyone knows, the Pirates enjoy saving a dollar or two when they can.
Mitch Keller is owed $16.9 million in 2026, and a team like the Mets would be more than glad to take on that AAV and the remaining amount on his five-year, $77 million contract for his services.
Justin K. Aller/Getty Images Mitch Keller could be a target for the pitching-needy New York Mets.
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.
Keller was an All-Star back in 2023 and has made 29+ starts in four straight seasons. In 2025, he posted a 4.19 ERA over 176.1 innings. His value lies in being able to pitch around 170 innings each season, and his ERA marks of the low 4.00s are serviceable.
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Why Do the Mets Need Rotation Help?
As of now, the frontline starters for the Mets are David Peterson and Clay Holmes. While Peterson is coming off an All-Star season, both he and Clay Holmes have been limited in their ability to pitch the entire season.
And beyond Holmes and Peterson, New York has names like Sean Manaea (who hopes to regain form) and Nolan McLean. McLean is still a young arm, but he has all the makings to be a future ace.
After the Mets’ disastrous end to the 2025 season resulted in players like Brandon Sproat and Jonah Tong making starts down the stretch, it makes sense for New York to go out and acquire a durable starter.
Aside from Mitch Keller, other external options that might be on the trade market include MacKenzie Gore, Pablo Lopez, and potentially Freddy Peralta.
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