The Atlanta Braves’ front office and GM Alex Anthopoulos are expected to have a big offseason. And they will have if the Braves have aspirations of making the 2026 MLB playoffs.
Atlanta has shown some early promise by re-signing Raisel Iglesias and trading away Nick Allen. So that begs the question of the Braves hitting the alterior trade market again to make a big splash during this hot stove season. Could Atlanta link up with the Pittsburgh Pirates for starter Mitch Keller?
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Braves Trade Idea Lands Pirates’ Mitch Keller
The Atlanta Braves are thought to have a clear need at starting pitcher, or at least depth starters who are durable and have proven ability to take the ball each fifth and give solid innings. Pittsburgh Pirates’ starter  Mitch Keller fits that mold and would slot in as the No.3 or No.4 starter in Atlanta.
In this trade idea, the Braves would send the Pirates two prospects in Alex Lodise and John Gil. Both are young position players in the Braves organization, and the need for the Pirates is hitting.
Mitch Keller is an attractive arm on the trade market for a few different reasons. The first being that his contract is controllable for the next few seasons. He signed a five-year, $77 million contract that keeps him under contract through the 2028 season. He’s owed roughly $55 million over the last three years, which is an affordable number.
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He’s also produced 175+ innings and 30+ starts in each of the last three seasons, including an All-Star appearance in 2023. Although his record was ugly this season at 6-15, Keller posted a serviceable 4.19 ERA in 176.2 innings.
His strikeout rate has declined over the last two seasons, which might be enough reason for the Pirates to think about offloading him. According to many MLB analysts, Mitch Keller is considered a top trade candidate this offseason.
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Why the Braves Would be a Good Suitor
As the offseason progresses, it will come as no surprise that other MLB organizations will likely be in on trading for Mitch Keller as well.
It ultimately comes down to the Pirates’ front office and new GM on what they want to do with the 29-year-old starter, Â but the Atlanta Braves seem like a logical fit.
Considering the Chicago Cubs have also been rumored to be in on trading for Mitch Keller, sending him to the Braves would be better than sending him to a division rival.
Once the winter meetings pass in early December, that is when we can expect a stricter timeline on when/if the Pirates will consider moving on from Mitch Keller.
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