NL Central: Could the trade deadline open a rotation spot for Bubba Chandler?

Pittsburgh Pirates 

With the trade deadline looming, the Pirates are almost certainly sellers. Given the competitive nature of the starting pitching market, they could get a solid return for Mitch Keller. Keller has been serviceable this season, with a 3.53 ERA off a 3.42 FIP over 125 innings. He's on year two of a five-year $77 million deal, which is relatively affordable as guys who can throw close to 200 innings a season go these days. The Pirates could certainly opt to keep him on the roster if they don't get the deal they want, but with Bubba Chandler and Thomas Harrington knocking on the door of MLB, turning Keller into hitting prospects makes a lot of sense.

Bubba Chandler got a lot of buzz earlier this season as the next Paul...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

The Cubs are looking for offense, could Matt Shaw in right field provide an answer?
Jun 19 2026 3:05am
Could Tigers prospect Max Clark make his MLB debut sometime soon? Plus, Kyle Teel and Shane Smith timelines in Chicago, CLE 3B depth in the wake of the J-Ram injury, Michael Massey looking up in KC, and pitching returns on the horizon in MIN.
Jun 18 2026 3:05am
Lawrence Butler is starting to hit and that's leading to more playing time in Sacramento.
Jun 17 2026 3:08am
If the Mets hope to emulate the Knicks' success in ending their championship drought, they'll need more--much more--out of 1B. Plus: RF in PHI; C in WAS and ATL; RP/SP in WAS; more.
Jun 16 2026 3:11am
Is the red-hot Blaze Alexander forcing his way into the third base job in BAL? Plus, injury reinforcements coming for the BOS infield and TAM outfield, and more from around the AL East.
Jun 16 2026 3:05am

Tools