Mets Reportedly Interested in Pirates' Mitch Keller Amid Cubs Trade Rumors

The New York Mets have contacted the Pittsburgh Pirates regarding a potential trade for starting pitcher Mitch Keller after the Chicago Cubs initially registered interest, according to Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Per Hiles, a "source" believed that Keller's chances of being moved by the Pirates were "as high as" 70 percent heading into July.

That may have dropped with Pittsburgh winning six of its past seven games, though.

Keller, an All-Star in 2023, has been one of the bright spots on a Pirates squad that currently sits at the bottom of the National League Central standings with a 38-51 record.

He's compiled a 3.64 ERA in 18 starts this year, while his 1.194 WHIP would be a career-best mark over the course of a full season. Keller has also been particularly sharp on the mound as of late, owning a 2.40 ERA over his past five starts.

The 29-year-old is under contract through the 2028 season after agreeing to a five-year, $77 million extension with the Pirates in Feb. 2024.

The Mets could potentially acquire Keller as they manage several injuries on their pitching staff.

Both Kodai Senga and Tylor Megill are on the 15-day injured list, while Sean Manaea has yet to make his 2025 debut as he recovers from right oblique and left elbow issues.

Right-hander Griffin Canning also suffered a season-ending ruptured Achilles.

The Mets still hold a 51-38 record this year, sitting just 0.5 games back from the Philadelphia Phillies for the NL East lead.

New York may need to beat out Chicago to possibly add Pittsburgh's starter, with USA Today's Bob Nightengale reporting that the Cubs and Pirates were "engaged in serious trade talks" regarding Keller on June 29.

The 2025 MLB trade deadline is on July 31 at 6 p.m. ET.