The San Diego Padres are only one game back from the Los Angeles Dodgers for the lead in the National League West division.
The Dodgers are the reigning World Series Champions and became an even more formidable team with their offseason additions. San Diego is not far behind Los Angeles in the standings, but could still look to add before the trade deadline.
Adding another All-Star caliber pitcher to their rotation could never hurt, as Newsweek’s Drew VonScio suggested that the Padres should trade for Pirates pitcher Mitch Keller.
“Pitching is always an area teams are looking to improve, and the Padres are no exception,” VonScio wrote. “One way they could do it is by acquiring starting pitcher Mitch Keller from the Pittsburgh Pirates. As of Saturday, Keller has a 4.40 ERA with a 5.14 xERA. However, his FIP comes in at just 3.69, which indicates poor defense has caused Keller’s ERA to shoot up.”
“However, the Padres are set up to be much better defensively than the Pirates, and San Diego is known to get more out of its pitchers than other teams. Keller would have 3 1/2 years left of team control at the trade deadline, meaning the Padres would have to cough up a considerable amount to acquire him. However, the conversation could start with 29-year-old Gavin Sheets as the Pirates are desperate for any sort of offensive boost.”
Sheets has performed well for the Padres with an average near .300, but is on a one-year deal. Keller brings San Diego another quality starter down the stretch who can provide for the team for years. The Padres already rank in the top five in the league in team ERA, but adding Keller could give them an even more lethal rotation.