As the July 2025 trade deadline nears, the Pirates weigh a blockbuster deal sending Mitch Keller and David Bednar to the Tigers. Will they sell high or push on?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just as the Pittsburgh Pirates start heating up, riding a four-game winning streak into a series finale against the Giants, the trade deadline looms to potentially blow it all up. The biggest question echoing from the North Shore to Oracle Park: Could the Pirates really trade ace Mitch Keller and hometown hero closer David Bednar?
Trading away rentals is one thing, but dealing your ace and your All-Star closer? That's a franchise-altering move.
The hot stove went nuclear today when MLB.com proposed a blockbuster that would send shockwaves through the organization. The deal? Mitch Keller and David Bednar head to the Detroit Tigers. In return, the Pirates would net a significant prospect haul headlined by shortstop Bryce Rainer, the Tigers' No. 3 prospect and the 11th overall pick in the 2024 draft. The package would also include promising outfielder Cris Rodriguez, second baseman Max Anderson, and lefty pitcher Jake Miller. It's a classic 'sell high for the future' move, but one that would gut the current big-league pitching staff.
The debate rages hottest around David Bednar. After a brief demotion earlier this season, the 'Renegade' has been nothing short of perfect, converting all 17 of his save opportunities with a sparkling 2.37 ERA. He's an elite closer with local roots, making him a fan favorite. GM Ben Cherington is facing immense pressure, weighing Bednar's on-field value and emotional connection to the city against the potential return in a trade. While rentals like Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Tommy Pham are expected to be moved, trading a controllable, beloved star like Bednar is a far more difficult pill for the fanbase to swallow.
Lost in the trade deadline chaos is the fact that the Pirates are actually playing their best baseball of the season. They're aiming for a fifth straight win and a series sweep of the Giants tonight. Young righty Mike Burrows (1-3, 4.15 ERA) gets the ball, facing a tough test against Giants ace Logan Webb. The Bucs will need their bats, particularly from Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds, to stay hot if they want to keep the good times rolling and give the front office even more to think about.
So as the Pirates take the field at Oracle Park, fans are left watching two clocks: the one counting down the innings against the Giants, and the one ticking towards the trade deadline. Will the Bucs extend their winning streak to five, or will the front office make a move that defines the franchise for the next five years? The next 24 hours will be telling.
