Mitch Keller is preparing for a new role
Throughout the off-season, the Pittsburgh Pirates have been one of baseball's busiest teams. As the Pirates continue their rebuild, Joe Musgrove, Jameson Taillon, and Josh Bell were dealt for prospects. In 2021, Pittsburgh's focus will be on developing their young talent as they hope to build a consistent winner. One player who will be key to their success in 2021 and beyond is starter Mitch Keller.
Over the years, Keller has become a familiar name to Pirates fans. The former top prospect made his MLB debut in 2019 and has appeared in 16 games in the majors over the past two years. While Keller has battled injuries and inconsistency, he is coming off his most productive stint in the majors.
In five starts last year, the former second-round pick posted a 2.91 ERA. Keller held batters to a .132 average and only allowed nine hits. The Pirates starter also joined special company as he did not allow a hit in his final 11 innings of work. Keller alo became the first National League pitcher to complete back-to-back no-hit streaks of at least five innings each since Johnny VanderMeer’s consecutive no-hitters in 1938.
Despite Keller’s success, he entered spring training looking to improve his game. In 21.1 innings of work last year, he walked 18 batters. Ten of those walks came in his final two starts. While Keller did struggle with control, he was able to pitch around his mistakes. This upcoming season, the Pirates will need Keller to pitch deeper into games and set the tone for the rest of the rotation.
Additionally in 2021, staying healthy will be key for Keller. The last time he pitched more than 100 innings in a season was in 2019. That season, Keller struggled in the majors as he had a 7.13 ERA in his first major-league stint. In the minors, however, he had the fourth-best ERA among Triple-A pitchers who pitched in at least 100 innings.
In spring training, Keller is already showing positive signs of regaining that form. After a dip in velocity due to injuries last year, Keller’s fastball velocity has improved. His fastball has averaged 97 mph after it sat at 92 last year. Keller has also been working on becoming more comfortable with his change-up, which he has used just 40 times in the majors.
Although the Pirates are projected to lose around 100 games this season, Keller’s development will be one thing to watch. He will be relied on heavily but it is a challenge he has been preparing for. As the Pirates look to identify who will be part of their next playoff roster, Keller will be looking to show why he should be leading the rotation for the foreseeable future.