Keller secures the largest contract ever for a Pirates pitcher, whereas the Mets opt to sideline Senga, their All-Star right-handed pitcher.

One right-handed All-Star pitcher in the National League is set to receive the largest contract ever for a Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher, while another is anticipated to miss the start of the season for the New York Mets.

According to a source familiar with the matter, Mitch Keller and the Pirates have reached an agreement on a $77 million, five-year contract. This information was disclosed to The Associated Press on Thursday by an individual who requested anonymity as the deal was pending a physical and had not yet been finalized.

This new contract replaces a previous one-year agreement worth $5,442,500 that was finalized last month. Keller, who is 27 years old, is likely to make his second consecutive opening day start.

Originally selected as a second-round pick by the Pirates in the 2014 amateur draft, Keller compiled a 13-9 record with a 4.21 ERA last season, earning his first All-Star selection, much like Mets right-hander Kodai Senga.

On the other hand, Senga has been sidelined at the Mets camp due to a shoulder strain, and he is expected to begin the season on the injured list. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns stated on Thursday that Senga underwent an MRI scan after experiencing shoulder fatigue on two occasions during camp. Stearns characterized the strain in the back of Senga’s right shoulder as moderate and mentioned uncertainty regarding the duration of his absence.

Senga, aged 31, is entering the second year of a $75 million, five-year contract with the New York Mets following an 11-season stint pitching in Japan. Last season, he recorded a 12-7 record with a 2.98 ERA in 29 starts, finishing as the runner-up in NL Rookie of the Year voting.