The Yankees, Mets, and Cubs are competing for right-handed pitcher Mitch Keller; the Cubs are also interested in third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes.

Noah Hiles from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that three big-market teams with playoff ambitions—the Yankees, Mets, and Cubs—are all interested in Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller.

Hiles pointed out that the Mets "might be the leaders in the chase for Keller." This 29-year-old right-hander is in the second year of a five-year extension signed before last season, with a total salary of about $55 million from 2026 to 2028. With the Yankees entering the competition, the New York duo may engage in a bidding war for Keller. Over the past two seasons, he has pitched a total of 372.1 innings, with an earned run average of 3.48 over 119 innings this season.

Hiles stated that the Cubs see Keller as a "backup option" to strengthen their starting rotation. The team also has a vacancy at third base and holds "significant interest" in Pirates' Ke'Bryan Hayes.