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

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller has drawn some interest from a handful of teams ahead of the MLB trade deadline, and another World Series-contending club reportedly is eyeing him.

Per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Noah Hiles, the New York Yankees "are now in the mix" for Keller alongside the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets.

Hiles reported earlier this month that the Mets and Cubs had interest in the Pirates ace, though he noted in his report Thursday that Chicago views him as "a backup option." According to Hiles, the Mets "are still very interested" and could be the "front runner" to land him.

The Mets are looking to add another starter after Tylor Megill was placed on the 60-day injured list because of an elbow sprain.

The Yankees are similarly desperate to add to their rotation at the deadline, with Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt out for the season, Luis Gil still working his way to the mound and Ryan Yarbrough currently on the 15-day injured list.

“Whether it’s bullpen guys or starting pitchers, it’s just all of it,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said earlier this month, per The Athletic's Brendan Kuty. “That’s the area. We have people that are capable, but I think it also needs to get some help. And if I can do so, great. But again, there’s no guarantees.”

Keller, 29, has been with the Pirates for all seven of his seasons in the majors. He's putting together one of the best years of his career with a 3.48 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP, though Pittsburgh's struggles mean he has a 3-10 record.

How much the Pirates are willing to sell at the deadline remains to be seen, but they're currently sitting at 39-58, 13.5 games back in the wild card race.

If Pittsburgh decides to part ways with Keller, it seems the Mets and Yankees could get into a bidding war for him.