MLB Trade Rumors: Pirates & Cubs in Serious Trade Talks For Pitcher

The Chicago Cubs are still one arm short in the starting rotation, with ace Justin Steele on the shelf for the 2025 season. They've been keeping an eye on the trade market all season, and scouting the top potential trade candidates.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Cubs have been laser-focused on one team, and pitcher in particular:

The Pittsburgh Pirates have been engaged in serious trade talks for more than a week with the Chicago Cubs about starter Mitch Keller. Keller, who’s in the second year of a five-year, $77 million contract, is under control through 2028, earning $15 million this year, $16.5 million in 2026, $18 million in 2027 and $20 million in 2028.

The 29-year-old is certainly having a decent season, with a 3.90 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP with a 77:25 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Unfortunately, pitching for the woeful Pirates, he's got a 2-10 record, but scouts wouldn't pay that outdated stat much thought.

Overall, in seven seasons, Keller has a 4.51 ERA with a 1.39 WHIP. It would be interesting to see what he could do with a competitive team.

The Cubs' rotation is led by Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd, who are both having excellent seasons. But overall, their rotation is 23rd in baseball in ERA at 4.30.

Chicago is barely holding off the Milwaukee Brewers for top spot in the NL Central Division.