The Chicago Cubs know they have a great opportunity to win the National League Central this year. However, they’ll have to get some reinforcements next month to help make that possible.

Currently, Chicago has just a three-game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals. Starting pitching is an area of need for the Cubs, and MLB insider Bob Nightengale noted they are keeping an eye on Pittsburgh Pirates starter Mitch Keller.

“The Chicago Cubs, who have dominated the NL Central but have seen their lead getting a little too close for comfort, are one of the teams who would love to get their hands on (Mitch) Keller and (David) Bednar,” Nightengale wrote. ‘They are scouring the market for a starter, keeping a close eye on Alcantara (2 1/2 years remaining on his five-year, $56 million contract), Keller (3 1/2 years remaining on his five-year, $70 million deal) and Luis Severino of the Athletics (2 1/2 years remaining on his three-year, $67 million contract).”

Keller has been one of the most unlucky pitchers this season as his run support has been minimal at best. The Pirates have scored three runs or fewer in his last nine starts as the offense hasn’t done much of anything for him.

His ERA this season is just a touch over four, so there’s certainly room for improvement. The Cubs believe they can get Keller to the level they need him to be for a World Series run like they saw many times in 2023 when he was an All-Star.

However, there are two factors that complicate any potential deal. First and foremost, the Pirates are going to be very reluctant to trade Keller to a division rival. Trading him will be a difficult decision itself much less strengthening a team they play 13 times per year.

The other factor is the team control. Given Keller has 3 1/2 years left before becoming a free agent, the demand from the Pirates is going to be very high — essentially a king’s ransom. It’s hard to see the Cubs being willing to pay that price.

Keller would be a good fit for the Cubs, but a deal at this point in time seems more like a dream than something that would actually happen.

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