The New York Mets know they need to bolster the starting rotation before the trade deadline passes, and they’ll have lots of options to look at in terms of pitchers.
One of those players is Mitch Keller from the Pittsburgh Pirates, who is on an affordable contract given the current starting pitching market. Former general manager Jim Bowden believes this package could get the job done for Keller.
- New York Mets acquire: RHP Mitch Keller
- Pittsburgh Pirates acquire: INF Ronny Mauricio, 1B Ryan Clifford
“I think Mauricio and first baseman Ryan Clifford would be equal value for Keller, and that’s a trade both sides should make,” wrote Bowden. “I like Clifford’s future bat over (Drew) Gilbert’s, and the Pirates should get two young bats for Keller.”
Entering Thursday, Mauricio was slashing .244/.311/.427 for the Mets with a 112 OPS+, indicating he is slightly above a league average hitter. As for Clifford, he has spent all of this season in Double-A Binghamton slashing .243/.358/.459 with the Rumble Ponies.
It’s no secret the Pirates need impactful bats. Clifford is likely another 1 1/2 years away from the big leagues, but Mauricio could slot into the Pirates lineup immediately, especially if the team also trades shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Mauricio could form the new double play partnership with Nick Gonzales.
The Pirates would likely try to push for a little more in return for Keller, given that he’s under contract through the 2028 season. However, if this was the best offer on the table, general manager Ben Cherington would probably agree to it.
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