MLB Trade Rumors: Yankees Interested In Veteran Starter

July 17, 2025 ,
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone walks off the field during 2025 game.

The New York Yankees have zeroed in on Mitch Keller as their top trade target, per multiple reports, with Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette noting “very strong” interest from both the Yankees and New York Mets. 

General manager Brian Cashman wants a durable arm to steady a rotation missing Gerrit Cole, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil. Keller checks that box: the 29-year-old owns a 3.48 ERA over an MLB-leading 119 innings, has worked at least six frames in 13 straight outings, and is locked into a team-friendly deal through 2028.

Why Mitch Keller fits the Yankees’ plans

Keller’s five-year, $77 million extension pays $15 million in 2025 and tops out at $20 million in 2028, a palatable figure for a mid-rotation starter even after luxury-tax surcharges. His ground-ball profile (46 percent) plays well in Yankee Stadium, and his seven-pitch mix could find another gear under the Yankees’ pitching lab. 

Slotting him behind Max Fried and Carlos Rodón would give New York a credible October trio while keeping the farm’s blue-chippers (Jasson Domínguez, Spencer Jones) intact.

The cost and the competition

Pittsburgh wants MLB-ready bats, and a workable framework starts with infielder Oswaldo Peraza, controllable righty Cam Schlittler, and seasoned starter Marcus Stroman to backfill the Pirates’ staff.

Photo Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
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