Both the Atlanta Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates have been active this offseason, making moves through trades and free agency. As Atlanta considers its next steps this winter, general manager Alex Anthopoulos has publicly stated that the team needs to acquire another high-impact starting pitcher before the 2026 season begins.
If the Braves choose not to pursue one of the premier starters on the free-agent market, a trade could be their best path forward. The Pirates may have a suitable option in Mitch Keller, a reliable and durable starter who could be available. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, is in need of offensive upgrades, and Atlanta could potentially move catcher Sean Murphy as part of a deal.
The Atlanta Braves could look to the Pittsburgh Pirates and explore a trade for starter Mitch Keller to solidify the back end of their rotation, potentially filling the fourth or fifth spot.
In this proposed one-for-one scenario, Atlanta would send catcher Sean Murphy to Pittsburgh in exchange for Keller. The deal could be mutually beneficial, giving the Braves a dependable, innings-eating pitcher while providing the Pirates with a significant upgrade behind the plate.
Keller earned an All-Star selection in 2023 and was frequently mentioned in trade rumors last July, though he ultimately remained with Pittsburgh. Currently, the Pirates’ catching depth includes Henry Davis and Joey Bart, who combined for 11 home runs during the 2025 season.
While Murphy’s production has dipped over the past two years, he has still hit 26 home runs since the start of the 2024 season. However, durability has been a concern, as he has failed to reach 100 games played in each of the last two seasons.
