The Pittsburgh Pirates had plenty of patience in the development phase of Mitch Keller.
They drafted him in 2014 and he made his MLB debut in 2019, five years later.
Then, he took some time to settle down as a major leaguer, posting a horrible 7.13 ERA in 48 innings in his debut year.
He struggled, showed some flashes, struggled again, and finally broke through in 2022 with a 3.91 ERA in 159 innings as a 26-year-old hurler.
His solid 2023 (4.21 ERA, but with a 3.81 FIP and 210 strikeouts) finally convinced the Pirates it was time for an extension.
The right-hander signed a five-year, $77 million extension.
It will keep Keller in Pittsburgh until the 2028 campaign, making him free to enter the market in 2029.
The team announced the pact with a cool video.
Homegrown and staying home. pic.twitter.com/zc8KouL9td
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) February 23, 2024
“Homegrown and staying home,” they wrote with the cool footage of Keller showing the best of his talent.
He has come a long way from the pitcher he was at the moment of making his MLB debut to where he currently is.
He has matured and evolved, understanding that adjustments are the keys to the game.
Now, he will be the face of a young pitching staff on a team that hopes to compete sooner than later.
The Pirates, in order to truly contend, need more of their young players to break through like Keller did.
They need Oneil Cruz, Henry Davis, Roansy Contreras, Liover Peguero, and many other prospects and young major leaguers to take a step forward.
If Keller could, they also can.
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