Fantasy Prospect Watch: Pirates Mitch Keller

By Brad Kelly | Nov 21, 2017

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 07: A detailed view of a Pirates hat and glove before Game Four of the National League Division Series at PNC Park on October 7, 2013 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Mitch Keller is one of the most promising prospects in MLB but is commonly overlooked, even in the Pirates’ farm system. Yet, could he have a fantasy impact as easy as 2018?

The Pirates looked as perennial contenders not too long ago but have fallen on hard times the last two seasons, not winning more than 80 games since 2015. While they have promoted some of their upper echelon prospects in, Josh Bell, Jameson Taillon and Tyler Glasnow, they still have some intriguing pieces left in the minors.

But, why could Mitch Keller be the most promising?

Mitch Keller is never lumped in the conversations of the elite pitching prospects for some odd reason even though he is well polished beyond his age. He was drafted as an 18-year-old out of high school in 2014, and since signing with the Bucs, he has excelled.

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Over 24 starts in 2016, he posted a 2.35 ERA and 138 K in A ball. Last season, across stops between A and AA, he posted a 3.34/116 K line over 116 innings.

He faced competition well above his age and never wavered. He ended the year averaging a 9 K/9 to only 2 BB/9.

The most important part of his potential fantasy value, of course, is his arsenal. His fastball sits in the mid-90s, he has a devastating curveball, and the Pirates are having him focusing more and more on his changeup. The fastball lacks the top end velocity, but he commands it well, and it has late life to boot, making his secondary stuff all the better.

Keller’s delivery is smooth as well, which translates well to how his command will continue to develop. The entire package is already solid, yet he is still only 21-years-old. It is hard to find a knock on Keller, but outside of not being able to touch the high-90s with his fastball, he lacks a glaring weakness.

He is already drawing Zack Greinke comparisons and for good reason. In terms of fantasy value heading into 2018, Keller will more than likely start the year in AA or AAA.

Clearly, minor league stats do not help fantasy owners next season, but for those in dynasty leagues, he should be a high priority target. But, with a strong spring, he could push the Pirates for an early promotion.

It is not as though the Pirates have a ton of people he has to jump in order to find a spot in the rotation. Gerrit Cole, Jameson Taillon, Ivan Nova, and Tyler Glasnow are more than likely in front of him in terms of the pecking order.

But, that fifth spot in the rotation would be up for grabs, and that does not even take into account that Glasnow will have to earn a spot and Cole could be traded this offseason. Keller has better upside than guys like Chad Kuhl, Trevor Williams or Steven Brault, so is not out of the realm of possibility to think that he could be up sooner than later.

Jameson Taillon may have more electric stuff, but Keller is a better pitcher already. Mitch Keller deserves to be in the conversation among elite prospects, and that was made even clearer during his time recently in the Arizona Fall League.

He was the best pitcher there, posting a 1.53 ERA over 23 innings of work while striking out 13. His stuff shined again, and it is hard to deny just how impressive he is.

Next: MLB Trade Rumors: Alex Colome headed to St. Louis

Do not sleep on Mitch Keller this spring. He has everything fantasy owners would want in a starter and could make an impact very soon.

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