MLB Trade Rumors: Blue Jays Interested In 2 Pirates' Starting Pitchers

May 21, 2025 ,
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller pitches during 2025 game.

With their playoff hopes still alive and their rotation faltering, the Toronto Blue Jays are emerging as a suitor for Pittsburgh Pirates starters Mitch Keller and Andrew Heaney. 

Both arms offer very different advantages, and with the Pirates firmly in sell mode, Toronto could be one call away from upgrading its staff.

The veteran lefty Heaney, a 2023 World Series champion with Texas, has quietly posted a 3.02 ERA over his first nine starts for Pittsburgh in 2025. His one-year, $5.25 million contract makes him a low-risk, high-reward rental—an appealing fit for a Jays club still missing Max Scherzer and struggling with inconsistency from Kevin Gausman and Bowden Francis.

Keller a Long-Term Fix, Heaney a Short-Term Plug

While Heaney solves an immediate problem, Mitch Keller could be the more impactful addition. The 28-year-old right-hander is under team control through 2028 and comes with mid-rotation reliability. 

Despite a 4.38 ERA this season, Keller’s All-Star pedigree from 2023 and track record of durability make him a top target. Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller argued that acquiring Keller would be “a good long-term play” even if the Jays fall short of contention this year.

The Pirates are expected to shop Keller given their 15-33 start and wave of pitching prospects like Paul Skenes, Jared Jones, and Bubba Chandler on the rise. For Toronto, with Chris Bassitt and Scherzer hitting free agency after 2025, landing Keller could stabilize the rotation for years.

A Deal That Makes Sense for Both Sides

Toronto's urgency to contend—especially in a competitive AL East—and Pittsburgh’s desire to retool for the future create a natural match. The Jays’ front office is reportedly keeping close tabs on both pitchers. Whether they opt for the short-term impact of Heaney or the multi-year upside of Keller, expect Toronto to be a key player when the trade market heats up this July.

Photo Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images 

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