The MLB All-Star break has come and gone and the New York Yankees are gearing up to resume the 2025 season. At this point in the year, they look the part of a potential World Series contender.
Heading into the second half of the season, the Yankees hold a 53-43 record. That record places them in second place in the race for the American League East division. They trail the Toronto Blue Jays by just two games.
With that being said, the trade deadline is right around the corner on July 31. New York is expected to be very active in trade discussions leading up to the deadline.
One area that the Yankees could target improving is their starting pitching rotation.
New York Yankees Showing Interest in Big $77 Million Pitcher Trade
According to a report from Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, New York is among the teams interested in trading for Pittsburgh Pirates’ $77 million starting pitcher Mitch Keller.
“The most recent thing I’ve heard pertains to Mitch Keller. I learned over the weekend that the Cubs, the first team reportedly interested in the Pirates’ right-hander, view him as a backup option,” Hiles wrote. “He isn’t their top priority. But that doesn’t mean his stock has sunk. The Mets are still very interested, and are perhaps the front runner for his services. I’m also hearing that the Yankees are now in the mix.”
Keller has made 20 starts this season for the Pirates. He has compiled a 3-10 record to go along with a 3.48 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP, a 3.4 K/BB ratio, and 119 innings pitched.
At 29 years old, Keller still has three years left on his contract following the 2025 season. This would be a long-term move for the Yankees, not just a rental trade.
That alone would have to be intriguing for New York. Keller could become a key part of the rotation for years to come. Depending on the price tag that Pittsburgh has in mind, the Yankees should strongly pursue him.
Expect to continue hearing rumors about New York over the next two weeks. Keep an eye on Keller and the Pirates as a potential trade target and partner.
