The Atlanta Braves have done a good job so far this offseason addressing their top needs. This has included bringing back closer Raisel Iglesias, and adding Mike Yastrzemski, Robert Suarez, and Ha-Seong Kim via free agency.
Top executive Alex Anthopoulos has cleared up the bullpen issue, added another outfielder, and addressed the shortstop concern. However, there is still one thing left on the Braves’ offseason wishlist, and that is adding another starting pitcher.
Even Anthopoulos himself said that Atlanta’s front office would like to add another impactful arm before the offseason is over, and that could come via a trade for Pirates’ starter Mitch Keller.
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Braves-Pirates Trade Idea Lands Mitch Keller in Atlanta
If the Braves do not want to commit financially to a starting pitcher, especially if it’s not a top option, then trading for Pittsburgh Pirates starter Mitch Keller might be a good idea, because he’s a more proven arm that has All-Star capabilities.
SportsTalkATL.com’s Chase Irle recently included Mitch Keller as a top trade target for the Braves to address their remaining needs:
Justin K. Aller/Getty Images Mitch Keller could be a target for the Atlanta BravesÂ
“Thereâs been a lot of chatter about the Pirates finally spending this offseason in an effort to be more competitive. Until they actually sign a high-priced free agent, that should be viewed as little more than front-office posturing. Keller hasnât developed into the frontline starter some envisioned when he made the All-Star team in 2023, but he remains a reliable middle-of-the-rotation arm. Heâs under contract for three more seasons at $55 million, and starting pitchers at that price point still offer a lot of value.”
Mitch Keller could slot in perfectly as the Braves’ third or fourth option behind Chris Sale and Spencer Schwellenbach.
The 29-year-old starter has made 29+ starts in four straight seasons, and his ERA consistently hovers around the 4.00 mark, but he has proven he can take the ball every fifth day.
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What Would the Braves Have to Give Up?
This is the next question in the Braves’ possible pursuit of a starter to acquire via trade.
Atlanta has young arms that could be trade pieces like Grant Holmes, AJ Smith-Shawver, and Hurston Waldrep. Waldrep came on strong in 2025 in the absence of Holmes and Smith-Shawver, but was highly effective.
Top prospects JR Ritchie and Alex Lodise may also be a tradeable option. The Pirates are also in need of MLB-ready hitters, so Ozzie Albies might be a name to keep an eye on.
The Braves don’t have the best farm system in MLB by any means, but there’s enough there for the Pirates to potentially want.
If Atlanta is serious about contending in 2026, and everything points to that being the case, then adding a starter might be the last move that needs to be made.
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