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LB’s hot stove season has officially arrived, and rumors are flying in every direction — especially around the Philadelphia Phillies, who recently re-signed slugger Kyle Schwarber and extended manager Rob Thomson. Despite those major moves, the front office still faces a critical question: Should they commit long-term money to Ranger Suárez or look elsewhere for rotation stability?

Phillies Trade Lands Mitch Keller

The trade market is projected to be extremely active, and several notable starters continue to surface in mock-trade scenarios. One of the latest proposals suggests Philadelphia could part with All-Star third baseman Alec Bohm in exchange for All-Star starter Mitch Keller of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

In an article by Thomas Nestico (TJStats), the MLB analyst outlines three research-backed mock trades, one of which imagines a deal between the Phillies and Pirates centered around Keller as a potential replacement for Suárez. Pittsburgh already traded starter Johan Oviedo earlier this month, and reports indicate they remain aggressive in seeking offensive upgrades. Keller, who is signed to a five-year, $77 million contract with about $56 million remaining across the next three seasons, offers durability and consistency — two traits often hard to find on the open market.

Keller has delivered 29 or more starts in four consecutive seasons, proving he can reliably take the mound every fifth day. Should Philadelphia lose Suárez in free agency, they would need to backfill his production, and Keller represents a realistic option. In 2025, the right-hander logged a 4.19 ERA over 176.1 innings. While not expected to lead a rotation, he would profile as a strong No. 3 or No. 4 starter. The 29-year-old, an All-Star in 2023, has consistently hovered around a 4.00 ERA since 2022. The proposal’s centerpiece for Pittsburgh would be the acquisition of Bohm.

Alec Bohm Would Help the Pirates’ Need for Offensive Depth

The Pirates’ most pressing organizational need is improved offensive depth, and acquiring Bohm would provide a dependable bat for at least the next year. He still has one arbitration season remaining before hitting free agency in 2027, making him a controllable and appealing option.

Bohm, himself an All-Star in 2024, isn’t known for elite power but brings steady contact and on-base ability. Over six seasons, he has produced a .279 career average with 70 home runs. In 2025, he hit .287 with 11 home runs and 59 RBIs across 120 games, offering stability and versatility for any lineup.

Although the MLB Winter Meetings are wrapping up, it doesn’t mean the hot stove is losing heat. With Ranger Suárez still weighing his future, the Phillies may soon find themselves deciding whether to re-sign their left-hander — or pivot to a bold trade such as Keller.