Padres Tabbed ‘Potential Landing Spot’ For Pirates $70 Million Starter

The San Diego Padres are looking to hold their ground in the National League wildcard race with several teams fighting for those three spots.

One way the Padres know they can stay afloat is by bolstering the rotation. That’s why R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports believes Pittsburgh Pirates starter Mitch Keller is an option for general manager A.J. Preller.

“Would the Pirates actually trade Keller roughly 18 months into his five-year extension? I don’t know, but there is a certain logic to it,” wrote Anderson. “They need bats, badly, and because of his price tag he’s likely deemed to be more expendable than, say, injured righty Jared Jones or imminent arrival Bubba Chandler. Keller has a broad arsenal (he’s a supinator, meaning he comes around the ball rather than through it) and is on pace for a fifth consecutive 30-plus appearance season.”

As Anderson pointed out, it’s tough to see Pittsburgh deal Keller this early into his contract. However, the Pirates are no stranger to taking advantage of a sellers’ market and cashing in on strong returns.

Keller’s ERA finally dipped down to 3.90 after his most recent start. He’s the type of pitcher every team desires in terms of producing results on a relatively team-friendly deal. That doesn’t mean the Padres wouldn’t have to give up a strong package to acquire him, but Preller will certainly try to work his magic.

The Padres don’t have the farm system they once did, but that doesn’t mean the organization is barren of young talent the Pirates would be searching for in any deal.

More MLB: Cubs ‘Engaging in Serious Talks’ With Pirates for $70 Million Starter, Per Report