The Pittsburgh Pirates have just made a bold move, but the question on everyone’s mind is: What’s next? After their first major transaction of the offseason—acquiring outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia and right-handed prospect Jesus Travieso from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Johan Oviedo and two prospects—the Pirates are far from done reshaping their roster. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite this trade, rumors persist that right-hander Mitch Keller could still be on the move. Could the Pirates really part ways with another starting pitcher? And this is the part most people miss: even with Oviedo gone, team sources insist they’re open to trading a starter (not Paul Skenes) if it means landing a hitter who can make an immediate impact. After scoring the fewest runs in the majors during their seventh consecutive losing season, the Pirates are desperate to ignite their offense—and they’re leaving no stone unturned.
Their offseason goal is clear: add one or two proven regulars, plus two to four depth pieces who could surprise. Garcia, just 22 with only nine major league plate appearances, falls into the latter category—for now. The Pirates see him as a future cornerstone and plan to give him a shot in spring training, but they’re not ready to hand him the keys just yet. Meanwhile, they’re eyeing free agents like infielders Jorge Polanco, Ryan O’Hearn, and Kazuma Okamoto, as well as trade targets like Brandon Lowe and Jeff McNeil. Essentially, every available hitter is on their radar.
But let’s talk about Keller. At 29, he’s a reliable mid-rotation arm averaging 183 innings over the past three seasons, with a reasonable $54.5 million owed over the next three years. However, trading him won’t be easy. Teams are hesitant to part with even modestly impactful hitters, and the free-agent market is flush with better starters. If the Pirates want to move Keller, it might require patience—and a willingness to backfill his spot in the rotation. Is Keller worth the gamble, or should the Pirates hold tight?
Garcia, nicknamed “The Password,” is the kind of player the Pirates are betting on: a physical, athletic outfielder with an aggressive approach. One Red Sox official believes he could become a dangerous hitter once he refines his game. Meanwhile, Travieso, just 18 and signed for a mere $10,000, is a high-ceiling prospect with a fastball touching 99 mph. But like most teenage pitchers, he’s a lottery ticket. For the Pirates, Garcia is the headliner—the piece they hope will unlock an offense that’s been dormant for far too long.
As the Pirates continue to rebuild, the question remains: Can these moves finally turn their fortunes around? And what does this mean for Keller’s future? Do you think the Pirates are making the right moves, or are they risking too much? Let us know in the comments—this offseason is far from over.
Dec 5, 2025
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