Pirates’ Mitch Keller dominating with fastball, eyes AAA in 2018
Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Mitch Keller is putting together a formidable encore presentation with High-A Bradenton.
From Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon to Chad Kuhl and Tyler Glasnow, the Pittsburgh Pirates‘ farm system has become a pitcher-producing machine.
Three of the aforementioned starters are a part of the current MLB rotation, while Glasnow remains knocking at the door in his second stint with Triple-A Indianapolis.
Present day aside, the future may be even brighter as another cannonball is on the horizon — one who has the potential to be an ace for many years to come.
Mitch Keller, a second round pick by Pittsburgh in the 2014 MLB Draft, has continued his success where he left off last September.
The 6’3″ right-hander was thrust into High-A Bradenton’s pursuit of the Florida State League crown after just one start at the level.
To say pitching for a championship was exciting is an understatement for Keller.
“It’s a lot of fun being in those situations. Obviously, it’s what you dream for: playing in the playoffs,” said Keller, who was 2-0 with a 2.03 ERA in a pair of 2016 playoff starts. “Having the opportunity to come up and help the team out was a blast.”
Similar to predecessors, the Iowa native throws heat to overwhelm opponents. While he does possess a quality curveball, if you ask the 21-year-old, he is fastball-oriented.
“In the Pirates’ organization, we are fastball heavy,” Keller said. “I’m just trying to dominate with the fastball and attack in — Just be on the attack the whole time.
“I’m not trying to shy away from hitters. It’s definitely a mentality that I have and it’s one I have kind of come up through the organization with. … ‘Here, beat this.'”
This season, Pittsburgh’s top pitching prospect has beaten opponents with imposing performances. Eight of his 13 appearances with the Marauders have been quality starts, which includes two shutouts of seven innings.
Despite the impressive outings, however, Keller’s strikeouts per nine innings have fallen nearly two whiffs to 7.55 — a career-low in four seasons.
To some, this may be a concern for a pitcher who has always averaged more than one strikeout per inning in a season during his professional career. Conversely, Keller finds the stat as a testament to his ability to finish hitters quickly and go deep into starts.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
“I’m just kind of pitching to contact,” he explained. “Three pitches or less is what we nail on and in doing that, you will be able to go pretty deep into the games, which is the ultimate goal as a starter.”
As far as improvement, Keller noted he is focusing on the development of his changeup and being able to offer it with confidence at any time.
“Use my changeup during any count, really,” he said of his current focal point. “I’m kind of developing that pitch and using counts and being aware of when to use it, not necessarily just throwing it to throw it.”
As a 21-year-old with the potential to be in Double-A Altoona by August, Keller is ahead of schedule compared to his peers. Although his sights are currently turned to FSL competition, he cannot help but admit his aspirations to thrive beyond Bradenton next season.
Next: White Sox' Giolito focusing on consistency
“Hopefully, by next year I’ll be in Indianapolis or start [the season] in Altoona,” said Keller. “I try not to look too far down the road. … It’s definitely a goal to be in the upper levels next year and doing well.”