Right now, just about everything is breaking the Chicago Cubs’ way. Their blockbuster acquisition of star outfielder Kyle Tucker is proving a major success, while center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, in only his second MLB season, has vaulted into the front-runner tier for NL MVP. Japanese ace Shota Imanaga is back after a prolonged IL stay, and the North Siders are perched atop the NL Central. All in all, life is looking pretty good for the Cubbies.
Still, it’s evident the Cubs need some reinforcements. President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer is well aware of that—especially with this being the final year of his contract. Any trades he makes ahead of the upcoming deadline could have a direct impact on his future with the team. But if Hoyer once again chooses to stand pat, as he has in previous seasons, Chicago might end up letting another prime chance to chase a World Series title slip through their fingers.
One area where the Cubs are clearly thin is the starting rotation. While Shota Imanaga has returned, lefty Justin Steele is sidelined long-term after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Jameson Taillon is also dealing with an injury, and Javier Assad remains out with a strained oblique. That leaves Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, and standout rookie Cade Horton needing some serious support. One potential solution? Pittsburgh Pirates veteran Mitch Keller, who’s currently enjoying the best season of his career. The question now is: what kind of trade package would it take to land Keller in Chicago?
Mitch Keller could provide big boost to Cubs rotation
The starting pitching market appears relatively shallow as the trade deadline approaches. Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara is probably the most high-profile name available, despite his elevated ERA and inconsistent performances. While he’s under team control for the next few years, there’s no guarantee he’ll ever recapture his Cy Young-winning form. That’s why a pitcher like Mitch Keller—who has been a reliable presence on the mound—could carry even greater value in this year’s trade landscape.
Mitch Keller, a key piece of the Pirates’ rotation, is under contract for the next four seasons—giving the Cubs ample time to determine whether his current breakout campaign is the real deal. Fortunately for Chicago, Jed Hoyer and his front office still boast a strong farm system with plenty of attractive trade chips. A deal built around one of their Triple-A outfielders, such as Owen Caissie or Kevin Alcantara, along with a young pitcher who has shown promise in the majors—like Jordan Wicks or Ben Brown—could serve as a compelling starting point for trade talks with Pittsburgh.
Landing Keller likely won’t come cheap—especially with the trade deadline looming. The Cubs would probably need to sweeten the deal with one or two additional pieces. Young talents like Double-A right-hander Jaxon Wiggins (ranked No. 8 in the Cubs’ system by MLB.com) and Triple-A infielder Ben Cowles (ranked No. 22) could help push a potential trade over the finish line. If Hoyer is willing to part with a package of that caliber, bringing Keller to Wrigley could significantly boost Chicago’s chances of making another serious World Series push.
