5 offseason predictions for the Mets

3) The Mets will trade for Mitch Keller

It does feel like the Mets could look to trade for one of the starting pitchers their rotation desperately needs. Exactly who is available will depend on a whole bunch of factors. Someone seemingly on the block is Pittsburgh Pirates starter Mitch Keller.

Keller was an All-Star for the Bucs in 2023 in a year in which he was 13-9 with a 4.21 ERA. He’ll be 28 next year with two more seasons of team control. Maybe it’s because the Pirates have a history of trading away pitchers like Keller that has me feeling confident they’ll trade him.

Keller won’t come cheaply despite a thin resume. The age, known potential, and two years of control should have him costing at least something close to what it would be for the Mets to acquire Shane Bieber or Corbin Burnes; two of the other more obvious trade candidates out there.

Adding Yamamoto and Keller to the rotation helps complete it further. Bring in one of the free agent veterans and the Mets have quickly built up their rotation in one offseason. It was something they had to do last winter with three open spots. The results were less than desirable due to an injury to Jose Quintana for much of the season and a slow start from Justin Verlander.

What makes Keller fascinating is he could be on the verge of breaking out as a major league pitcher. Catch him now. If it doesn’t work out, save the money you’re not paying him and fix it later.