Mitch Keller, Pirates Agree to Five-Year Contract Extension

Mitch Keller and the Pittsburgh Pirates has agree to a five-year contract extension worth $77 million, according to a report from ESPN. This agreement underscores the team’s commitment to retaining its talented young players as they strive to make a return to the postseason after nearly ten years.

Contract Details and Financial Implications

The extension, effective from this year until the end of the 2028 season, will see Keller earn $7.5 million in 2024, exceeding his arbitration settlement by over $2 million, according to sources. In 2025, his final arbitration year, Keller will receive $15 million. Furthermore, for the three subsequent free-agent years, the Pirates will pay him $16.5 million, $18 million, and $20 million, respectively.

Keller’s Performance Highlights

Keller, aged 27, showcased his talent during the 2023 season, earning his first All-Star selection and recording an impressive 210 strikeouts in a career-high 194⅓ innings. He played a pivotal role in the team’s rotation and could soon be joined by Paul Skenes, last year’s No. 1 draft pick.

Keller, who was set to enter free agency after the 2025 season, becomes the third core member of the Pirates to receive an extension. Third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes and outfielder Bryan Reynolds inked deals in recent years, extending through at least the 2030 season.

Keller’s Journey: Draft to Present

Originally drafted by the Pirates in the second round from an Iowa high school in 2014, Keller initially faced challenges in his career but experienced a turnaround in 2022. In 2023, he finished fourth in the National League for innings pitched, with an impressive nearly 4-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Team Performance and Offseason Acquisitions

The Pirates started the 2023 season strongly. But they struggled towards the end, finishing with a 76-86 record and securing fourth place in the NL Central. In the offseason, they bolstered their lineup by signing several veterans, including reliever Aroldis Chapman, left-handed starter Martin Perez, first baseman Rowdy Tellez, catcher Yasmani Grandal, and former franchise star Andrew McCutchen.

Keller’s Career Stats Analysis

Keller, who posted a 13-9 record with a 4.21 ERA last season, currently holds a career record of 25-38 with a 4.71 ERA in 102 appearances (100 starts). He has accumulated 521 strikeouts in 523⅔ innings pitched.