Atlanta’s answer for starting pitching may lie in Pittsburgh.
The Atlanta Braves didn’t get a lot done during the 2024 MLB Winter Meetings. Hopefully, they were at least able to lay the groundwork for some future moves. It was reported that Atlanta was a finalist in the Garrett Crochet sweepstakes. He ultimately was traded to the Red Sox who desperately needed a win after missing on free agents Juan Soto and Max Fried.
This still leaves the Braves in a position where they need to add AT LEAST one starter and a corner outfielder. Charlie Morton hasn’t had discussions with the Braves about returning next season. Morton may not pitch in 2025, according to MLB insider Jayson Stark. Stark reported that teams that have inquired about Morton noted he hasn’t made a final decision on pitching next season yet.
With the free agent pitching market dwindling and the cost to sign top-tier pitching is astronomical, Atlanta may need to consider a trade to fill their need. The Pittsburgh Pirates have been rumored to be considering offloading a couple of arms via trade.
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Braves need to consider trading for Jared Jones or Mitch Keller to fill 2025 starting rotation
Recent reports from Pirates beat writers Andrew Destin and Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette indicate the Pirates are open to offers on Mitch Keller and Jared Jones.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writer Joe Starkey reacted to the news similarly to how most Pirates fans did. He is frustrated by the news because it continues the Pirates’ unwillingness to spend money to build around the talent they already have. Starkey explained why it is both logical and infuriating:
“Infuriating because the best way for the Pirates to proceed would be to keep all of their good pitching and buy better bats. Logical because Bob Nutting is probably not going to spend the money required for better bats, which leaves only one avenue to a better lineup: trade.”
It’s understandable he’d be upset because Keller is a proven starter and Jared Jones is young with a lot of potential. Pittsburgh should build around the team, especially with Paul Skenes’ emergence as one of the best pitchers in baseball. Let’s examine both options and see which one makes the most sense.
Mitch Keller
Keller turns 29 in March and posted a 4.25 ERA in 2024 over 31 starts (178 innings). He has an impressive walk rate and doesn’t allow a lot of home runs. His walk rate was 6.5% in 2024 and among the best in baseball. He has a decent fastball and a filthy sweeper.
Mitch Keller, Wicked 85mph Sweeper. 🤢 pic.twitter.com/DGWcG85KJx
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 21, 2024
His strikeout rate was decent last season with 166 punch outs but it’s much less than the impressive 210 he amassed in 2023. Keller has control for the next four seasons as the Pirates signed him to an extension last year. He’s owed $69.5 million over those years, including $15MM in 2025, $16.5MM in 2026, $18MM in 2027, and $20MM in 2028. That is a rather affordable contract in today’s economy.
Jared Jones
Jared Jones is an interesting trade candidate as he’s 23 years old and would require a large return. Jones averaged 97.3 mph on his four-seamer with a 26.2% K-rate versus a 7.7% walk-rate in his debut season in 2024. These impressive numbers came over 121.2 innings with a 4.14 ERA, 39 walks, and 132 strikeouts.
You can see the potential Jones has and why teams would be interested. However, his hard-hit percentage of 44.5% was concerning but could be from the lack of command you’d expect from a budding MLB prospect.
JARED JONES WITH A NASTY SLIDER 🤧
(via @MLB)
pic.twitter.com/BMsKr9fRMT— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 22, 2024
Regardless, with five years of control, teams will undoubtedly be interested in him. It would likely take a pretty lofty package involving top prospects or MLB-ready talent to land. Jones’ upside makes him an attractive target for any contender.
The Pirates desperately need offense and Atlanta has a few players that they would be interested in landing in a deal for Keller or Jones. Both players fit what Atlanta is looking for, it just depends on how high of a price they’re willing to pay.
