Keller Extension Talks

[Dan_Stonerook]

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/m ... 215855007/

The Pirates and starting pitcher Mitch Keller are in negotiations on a long-term contract extension.

Keller, 27, is earning $2,437,500 this year and is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season.

[val]

This would be the week to go to the higher ups for such a thing...

[Shedman]

I get very worried that when a player plays as good as Keller has, that we will trade for a "treasure trove" of suspects.

[bucco boy]

Kind of like they did with Reynolds.

[GreenWeenie]

I get very worried that when a player plays as good as Keller has, that we will trade for a "treasure trove" of suspects.

If Keller will be dealt for a Joe Musgrove-type, then I wouldn't be all that terribly upset. The issue is that the Musgrove-types don't stay all that long, either.

I'm sure the Pirates will make the best offer that they feel they can. It will be up to Keller to decide what he wants to do. It's fine by me if he's kept. I won't lose any sleep if he were to choose to move on, either.

[Dan_Stonerook]

I get very worried that when a player plays as good as Keller has, that we will trade for a "treasure trove" of suspects.

[statscbl]

He is 17-30 with a 4.62 ERA lifetime. The most wins he has had in a season is 5. I want Mitch locked up just as much as the next Pirate fan, but let's not getting carried away on the dollar amount, unless we are going to wait on a bigger sample size.

[GreenWeenie]

I was wondering when or even if anyone was going to point that out, risking getting called Debbie Downer.

[statscbl]

I was wondering when or even if anyone was going to point that out, risking getting called Debbie Downer.

I am probably more optimistic on the future of several players that we need to lock up including Oneil Cruz.
If I was a betting man, I would say Mitch is a future all-star and yes he is an all-star. Being realistic, Bob is going to spend X amount of dollars on this team so let's not go $100 million on any pitcher. After 2 of his best outings is not going to get you your best chances to lock him up. Actually, I think now is the time to be working on Oneil Cruz's conract.

[GreenWeenie]

I'm more conservative.

Neither Keller have shown me enough to make me disregard their past; certainly not Cruz. He has defensive weaknesses.

I'd give both more time. I've seen my share of Pirates Panflashers.

Now, if you consider only through their arbitration years, which is not a true extension, that might be another story. Keller may get more through arbitration than the Pirates are willing to offer. It could be better to agree on that early.

[statscbl]

I'm more conservative.

Neither Keller have shown me enough to make me disregard their past; certainly not Cruz. He has defensive weaknesses.

I'd give both more time. I've seen my share of Pirates Panflashers.

Now, if you consider only through their arbitration years, which is not a true extension, that might be another story. Keller may get more through arbitration than the Pirates are willing to offer. It could be better to agree on that early.

I think Cruz and Keller are both part of the Pirates future plans and I am glad. Bob is also a business man. If he is bargaining a long term contract with Keller, he will probably save a few dollars if he waits until he has a few bad games in a row. If he wants to save a few dollars on Cruz, don't wait until he comes back and wins player of the week. Lock him up now.

[GreenWeenie]

I agree that both are our future. How long they're "the future" remains to be seen. Few retire as Pirates. Few stay with any organization. Not many Tony Gwynns, CRJ, or Derek Jeters these days.

I think that both will receive offers. Whether they'll be accepted is another thing to be seen.

I know that I wouldn't go anywhere near Reynolds money with either....and, his wasn't close to open market rate.

That's just me. They'll get what they can negotiate for.

[statscbl]

I know that I wouldn't go anywhere near Reynolds money with either....and, his wasn't close to open market rate.

Reynolds has now gone 32 consecutive games without a homer. If he was a free agent the time of the signing, he went way below market value. If he continues his play for what he has done the last month, Reynolds got a good deal. We weren't going to find out Reynold's market rate until after 2025 if we didn't sign him.

[GreenWeenie]

Fair points.

But, Reynolds is playing now at least as well as Keller pitched during the two previous years.