The Pittsburgh Pirates, along with the rest of MLB, are deep into the offseason trying to figure out how to improve their rosters for next year.
Pittsburgh needs help on the offensive side, while the San Diego Padres are looking for starting pitching. Because of that, Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter has proposed a potential trade between the two teams: Mitch Keller heading to San Diego in exchange for Jake Cronenworth going to Pittsburgh.
Reuter notes that the Padres must find a way to replace Dylan Cease, Michael King, and the injured Yu Darvish in their rotation. With significant long-term payroll commitments, they may prefer acquiring pitching via trade rather than free agency.
He adds that Keller could be a more affordable option compared to other pitchers on the market, projecting him as a mid-rotation arm with upside.
Reuter then suggests that a Keller-for-Cronenworth framework might interest the Pirates, who need offensive upgrades. He acknowledges that such a deal would likely require additional pieces—prospects and possibly cash—but believes the concept makes sense as a starting point.
Keller, who turns 30 in April, is under team control for three more years, meaning he would command a substantial return. Cronenworth, a two-time All-Star, could be that level of asset.
Although the 31-year-old infielder is past his peak, he could still serve the Pirates well as a regular at either shortstop or second base next season.