2020 was a difficult season for the Pittsburgh Pirates and particularly for their pitcher, Mitch Keller.
However, just two years on, Keller and the Pirates have announced a five-year extension to his contract, reportedly worth $77 million.
The Pirates lock up Mitch Keller pic.twitter.com/K1FYKKupkg
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) February 22, 2024
The deal, worth a whopping $77 million, will see the 27-year-old Keller continue his tenure with the franchise that first recognized his potential in the 2014 second round draft.
Right from his high school career, Mitch Keller was one to watch, hailed as one of the top pitching prospects in baseball.
His rise through the ranks of the Pirates’ farm system was meteoric in the late 2010s.
There were moments when fans may have questioned the Pirates’ faith in Keller early on. His performance was, at times, far from smooth.
The rookie season saw him post a lackluster 7.13 ERA; he followed it up in the 2020 “shortened” season with double the walks as compared to hits.
Unfortunately, 2021 was no better; with a 6.17 ERA, Keller struggled with both consistency and speed.
Exercise and a tactical change in approach helped Keller, 27, turn his fortunes around. A session at Tread Athletics helped him regain his speed, and an expanded pitch repertoire gave him a much-needed edge on the field.
Since the transformation, Keller not only revived his career but also stepped up to be the Pirates’ number one starter. 2022 saw him make an All-Star game appearance and post a 3.83 ERA in 46 starts.
