MLB’s hot stove season is here, and the rumor mill is swirling from all angles. Especially for the Philadelphia Phillies, who just re-signed star slugger Kyle Schwarber and extended manager Rob Thomposon. But the front office still has big decisions to make regarding whether to commit to Ranger Suarez financially or not.
The trade market is expected to be very active this offseason, and many valuable starting pitchers are being rumored in mock trades. A recent trade idea has the Phillies letting go of All-Star third baseman Alec Bohm in favor of All-Star starter Mitch Keller from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
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Phillies Trade Idea Lands Mitch Keller
In a recent article by Thomas Nestico (TJStats), the MLB writer produces three mock trades backed by research and data, and one of those trade proposals includes the Phillies making a deal with their in-state rival for Mitch Keller, who could serve as Ranger Suarez’s replacement.
The Pirates traded away starter Johan Oviedo earlier this month, but the reports indicate they are not expected to stop being active in search of more offensive talent. Mitch Keller comes with a five-year, $77 million contract, which has about $56 million left on it (over three years), and has proven ability to take the ball every fifth day.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 28: Starter Mitch Keller #23 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Chase Field on July 28, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
Keller has made 29+ starts in four straight seasons. If the Phillies lose the Suarez sweepstakes, they will have to try and replace that production somewhere. In 2025, Keller posted a 4.19 ERA over 176.1 innings. He wouldn’t be expected to be the Phillies’ ace, but just a reliable No.3 or 4 option in the rotation.
The 29-year-old starter was an All-Star in 2023 and has hovered around the 4.00 ERA mark in every season since 2022. The centerpiece of this deal is the Pirates getting Alec Bohm in return.
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Alec Bohm Would Help the Pirates’ Need for Offensive Depth
The biggest need for the Pittsburgh Pirates is adding offensive depth to their organization, and trading for Bohm would be a stable addition to the lineup for at least the next yes, as he comes with one more year of arbitration before entering free agency in 2027.
Alec Bohm has also been an All-Star in his career (2024). He doesn’t provide much power in his bat, but is a hit for an average type of batter. Bohm has a career average of .279 with 70 home runs over six seasons. He hit .287 with 11 home runs and 59 RBIs in 120 games this year.
The MLB Winter Meetings are coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean the hot stove is going to cool off. Ranger Suarez still has a big decision to make, and it will be interesting to see what the Phillies’ front office does if they are unable to retain their southpaw.
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