Pirates All-Star pitchers David Bednar, Mitch Keller projected for big raises in arbitration

Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star pitchers David Bednar and Mitch Keller are set up for significant raises next season, based on the annual arbitration projections by MLB Trade Rumors.

Bednar, who tied for the National League lead with 39 saves, is projected to make $4.7 million in his first year of arbitration eligibility. That would be a $3,955,000 raise for the two-time All-Star closer, the highest of any of the Pirates’ six arbitration-eligible players.

Keller, coming off a career season in which he led the Pirates in wins (13), innings (194 1/3), strikeouts (210) and was tied for the most starts (32), is projected to earn $6 million in his second year of arbitration eligibility. That’s a $3,562,500 raise over his 2023 salary ($2,437,500), and would make the 27-year-old right-hander the highest-paid pitcher on the Pirates’ roster.

After undergoing Tommy John surgery and missing the 2023 season, right-hander JT Brubaker is projected to earn $2.28 million in his second year of arbitration. He avoided arbitration by signing for $2.725 million.

Outfielder Connor Joe is projected to earn $2 million as he enters arbitration with Super 2 status. Joe made $735,000 last season, when he tied for the team lead with a career-best 31 doubles while batting .247/.339/.421 with 11 home runs and 42 RBIs in a career-high 133 games.

Lefty reliever Ryan Borucki is projected to make $1.3 million in his third year of arbitration eligibility. Borucki went 4-0 with a 2.45 ERA and 0.74 WHIP in 40 1/3 innings over 38 appearances after signing a minor league contract with the Pirates in May. He made $900,000 last season.

Outfielder Miguel Andujar is projected to make $2.2 million in his second year of arbitration. That’s a $675,000 raise over his salary last season, when he batted .250/.300/.476 with seven doubles, four home runs and 18 RBIs in 30 games with the Pirates but spent the majority of the season at Triple-A Indianapolis. Andujar is considered a likely candidate to be non-tendered.