At this point in the season, the Cubs are in an ideal position, most would say. They sit atop the NL Central and are 2nd in the National League overall. They have had ample run production for most of the year courtesy of players like Kyle Tucker, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Seiya Suzuki, and more. One area that they have had struggles with at times is their starting pitching. They have had injuries to their two best pitchers, Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga. While Imanaga is finally back, Steele is out for the year, leaving Chicago without their ace. Because of this, the Cubs have confirmed they will be searching for pitching before the trade deadline.
A Trade for Mitch Keller?
The Cubs & the Pirates have been engaged in serious trade talks regarding RHP Mitch Keller for more than a week, per @BNightengale.
Keller is currently in the second year of a five-year, $77 million contract. pic.twitter.com/0Vh9XjdsaW
— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) June 29, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Earlier today, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that the Cubs and the Pirates have been immersed in serious trade talks concerning Mitch Keller for over a week. Keller has been on the Cubs’ list of possible trade targets this year, but it is now becoming a real scenario. This year, the RHP possesses a 3.90 ERA with 77 strikeouts in 99.1 innings pitched. He has been an average to slightly above-average pitcher throughout his career, struggling with hard contact but inducing a high number of ground balls while avoiding barrels. Keller is currently in the second year of a five-year contract with the Pirates worth $77 million.
While the Cubs’ farm system isn’t quite as good as it has been, they still have some impressive prospects. Chicago does not appear to have any untouchable prospects at the moment when it comes to potential trades. They will most likely have to give up one of their best prospects along with 1-2 other lower-ranked players in their system. Some possible prospects that could be traded include Owen Caissie, Kevin Alcantara, or James Triantos. But realistically, it could be anyone in their farm system based on what the Pirates want and/or need.
Main Photo Credits: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The post Report: Cubs Nearing a Possible Trade for Mitch Keller appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.