Talking Trade Deadlines

We are a little less than 2 months away from the Major League Baseball trade deadline, but chatter about who will wind up where has already begun. In recent years we have seen trades happen earlier than expected with organizations making quick decisions, so it's not out of the realm of possibility that this year we might have a big name be on the move in June.

Shane Bieber seems to be the name on everyone's lips and for good reason. Bieber is the type of starter that is coveted by every team. He is generally durable, has had immense success in his career, is still only 28 years old and is on a team that is 6 games under .500. The worry with Bieber getting a Castillo-like return would be that his velocity has dipped in recent seasons. While Bieber may be the crown jewel for franchises needing an impact arm this summer, there is more than just one name out there.

Lucas Giolito, Lance Lynn, Eduardo Rodriguez, even Marcus Stroman's names have been thrown around as possible trade chips. But, the name that seems to be forgotten by many and would be an ideal fit for both the mets and Yankees would be Mitch Keller.

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Keller hasn't had the type of career that Bieber has, but he might have a higher ceiling. Like Bieber, Keller is just entering his prime at 27 years old. He is in his first arbitration season, and while his team is still in the hunt, there are few that think the Pirates are serious contenders. Keller also has been simply Cy Young worthy this year. He is 7-1 with just over a 3 ERA on the season. That is also with eye popping strikeout numbers. Keller's strikeout numbers have been set by the sports books at 6 or 6 1/2 for over a month now. He has made believers money each time by striking out 8 or more batters in 7 straight starts.

Keller may not be the Castillo or Bieber-like name that Amazin fans or Yanks fans want this summer, but there is an argument to be made that he is the smarter addition. He should cost slightly less and his dominance can't be overlooked.