The Pirates signed pitcher Mitch Keller to a long-term deal, keeping him in the fold for the fold for another five years. It is one of the richest contracts in Pirates history:

As well as Keller might hide a baseball, not so much when it comes to his emotions. Or his excitement over the five-year, $77 million deal that represents largest for a pitcher in franchise history. The contract — which starts this season and runs through 2028 — also represents the largest yearly salary in franchise history.

Post-Gazzette.com

Keller turned a big corner in 2023 at seasonal age 27, tuning his strikeout and walk rates to elite levels. Over the last two years he moved away from his fastballs being exclusively four seam. Keller added the sinker in 2022 and a cutter in 2023. That allows him to keep his slider hidden until he really needs it.

Note that throughout his career, Keller’s FIP has been much better than his ERA. Maybe the Pirates need to add some better defense behind him.