Cubs rumors: Mitch Keller connection no longer feels like a long shot

One of the newest targets added to the Chicago Cubs rumor mill over the last week has been Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller. A report last week suggested that the Cubs would love to insert Keller into their starting rotation, and the latest intel from Bob Nightengale of USA Today makes it seem that the Cubs and Pirates are still talking about a potential trade.

"The Pittsburgh Pirates have been engaged in serious trade talks for more than a week with the Chicago Cubs about starter Mitch Keller. Keller, who’s in the second year of a five-year, $77 million contract, is under control through 2028, earning $15 million this year, $16.5 million in 2026, $18 million in 2027 and $20 million in 2028," Nightengale mentions in his latest rumor roundup.

Keller is an interesting target for the Cubs as he may not slot ahead of Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd at the top of their starting rotation, but would be a dependable No. 3 pitcher for the remainder of the 2025 season and beyond. With Justin Steele likely going to miss the start of the 2026 season and Jameson Taillon entering the final year of his contract, it would make sense for the Cubs to target a pitcher under contract beyond this season.

Mitch Keller pursuit feels more serious than before

It is Nightengale reporting this information, so the right grain of salt is needed, but his tone does have the impression of each side being willing to make a deal.

While, from a roster construction standpoint, it makes sense for the Cubs to want to add a starting pitcher under control beyond this season, financially, there could be some reservations. Over at Cubs Insider, the belief is that the Cubs may be more willing to trade top prospects as opposed to taking on money.

However, for a Cubs team that has very minimal payroll commitments after the 2026 season, taking on Keller's contract likely wouldn't be that intrusive. Of course, part of the trade talks will involve how much of Keller's contract the Pirates will remain on the hook for. The Cubs likely would be willing to increase the level of prospects offered if the Pirates take on a majority of the contract. However, the contract is likely one of the main reasons why the Pirates are looking to move Keller.

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