With a 32-27 record, the Houston Astros sit just half a game behind the Seattle Mariners for the top spot in the American League West. But as the race tightens, one issue has become glaringly obvious, Houston needs pitching help. Fast.
The Astros’ rotation has been ravaged by injuries, the latest being Ronel Blanco, who’s now out for the season after undergoing elbow surgery. While Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez have held the line, the depth behind them is shaky at best.
Trade Deadline Buzz: Astros Eye Mitch Keller
According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale, the Astros will be active in the starting pitching market as the 2025 trade deadline approaches. One name already generating buzz? Mitch Keller, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ $77 million man.
As reported by Drew VonScio of Newsweek, Keller is a top target for Houston, and it’s not hard to see why.
Despite his 1-7 record, Keller boasts a solid 3.73 ERA and 1.26 WHIP through 12 starts. The win-loss column is misleading, largely because of Pittsburgh’s lack of run support. Keller has consistently kept his team in games and showcased the form that earned him an All-Star nod.
Astros: The Price of Pitching
Here’s the catch: Keller is in the second year of a five-year, $77 million contract, which complicates things for Houston. The Astros don’t have a deep farm system, and acquiring Keller would require a significant package of prospects or MLB-ready talent.
Still, the Pirates are reportedly open to trade talks involving almost anyone on the roster—except phenoms Paul Skenes and Oneil Cruz. That puts Keller firmly in play for a team like Houston that’s aiming for another deep playoff run.
Is Keller Worth the Gamble?
For Houston, acquiring Mitch Keller would solidify a shaky rotation and send a strong message to the rest of the AL: The Astros are still all-in.
But will GM Dana Brown pull the trigger on a high-risk, high-reward deal? Time and leverage will tell.
