Mitch Keller's journey with the Pittsburgh Pirates has been a tale of highs and lows. From signing a significant extension to facing challenges on the field, his story is one that captures the essence of a professional baseball career.

Unraveling Mitch Keller's Season with the Pirates

Spring Training and Extension

During spring training, Mitch Keller made waves as he signed a five-year, $77 million extension with the Pittsburgh Pirates. This deal, the largest ever for a pitcher by the team, was a testament to his talent and potential. It recognized his 2023 National League All-Star status and showed the Pirates' faith in him as the anchor of their rotation for the future. 1: The excitement surrounding Keller's extension was palpable. Fans and analysts alike were eager to see how he would perform with the added security. It was a moment of celebration for the Pirates organization and a sign of their commitment to building a competitive team. 2: However, the early returns on this extension were not as promising. Keller's performance in the early part of the season was a cause for concern. Through the end of April, he had a 5.19 ERA across seven starts, struggling to find his rhythm.

Struggles and Strides

May brought a turning point for Keller as he found his stride. His performance continued to improve, and he showed the brilliance that had initially earned him the extension. At the break, despite a healthy 3.46 ERA and public support from manager Derek Shelton and teammates, he was left off the All-Star roster. 1: This was a disappointment for Keller, who had expected to be recognized for his strong start. But he remained focused and continued to work hard, determined to prove himself. 2: Keller's final start of the first half against the Chicago White Sox was a bittersweet moment. While he lasted only three innings, it ended a remarkable streak of 49 straight starts of pitching at least five innings, the second-longest in franchise history.

End of Season Performance

Overall, Keller had a solid season. But he struggled down the stretch, similar to his 2023 performance. Over his final nine starts, he went 1-7 with a 7.29 ERA, and opponents had a field day against him, slashing.311/.362/.575. 1: Despite these struggles, Keller still led the Pirates with 31 starts and 178 innings, showing his durability as a workhorse. He also finished second on the team in strikeouts with 166. 2: To take the next step and become a top-of-the-rotation presence, Keller will need to build on his strengths and address his weaknesses. Putting two halves together and finishing strong will be crucial as he enters 2025.