Pirates sign SP Mitch Keller to long-term deal

In an interview this offseason, Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller stated that the team had not engaged in conversations with him about a contract extension. Well, that changed today. On February 22nd, Mitch Keller was extended to a five-year contract worth $77 million. 

Keller is coming off of his best season by far. Last summer, he was picked to his first all-star game where he threw one inning and had a strikeout but gave up a home run. 

In his all-star season, Keller had a record of 13-9 while posting a 4.21 earned run average in 194.1 innings pitched with 210 strikeouts. With those 210 strikeouts, Keller was ranked 10th in the entire Major Leagues. He also had a WHIP of 1.25, a 3.80 FIP, and a 3.3 WAR. 

Before signing this extension, Keller was going to be a free agent after the 2025 season. There was also speculation that he would get traded at the trade deadline if the Pirates were not in contention, but this contract proves the rumors false. 

I love this extension for the Pirates organization. This is the third year in a row that the Pirates have extended one of their players. For the next five years, the Pirates will have Mitch Keller, Bryan Reynolds, and Ke'Bryan Hayes all locked up with contracts. 

Keep spending the big bucks, Bob Nutting!