Pirates Eye Mets' Baty in MLB Trade Talks

Mets open to dealing promising infielder as Red Sox seek right-handed outfield help

Feb. 5, 2026 at 2:31am

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The New York Mets are reportedly open to trading young infielder Brett Baty, with the Pittsburgh Pirates showing particular interest. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox are looking to add a right-handed hitting outfielder to balance their predominantly left-handed lineup.

Why it matters

These potential trades could significantly impact the rosters and lineups of the Mets, Pirates, and Red Sox heading into the 2024 MLB season. The Mets' willingness to deal Baty reflects their desire to reshape their infield and outfield, while the Red Sox's pursuit of right-handed hitters aims to improve their platoon balance at Fenway Park.

The details

The Mets have added shortstop Bo Bichette and second baseman Marcus Semien this offseason, leading to speculation they could trade promising infielders Brett Baty and Mark Vientos. The Pirates have expressed interest in Baty, though the Mets are expected to set a high asking price. Any potential deal may involve the Pirates offering a rotation player to create roster flexibility for the Mets. Meanwhile, the Red Sox are targeting free agent right-handed hitting outfielders like Starling Marte, Tommy Pham, and Randal Grichuk to balance their predominantly left-handed lineup.

  • On February 5, 2026, reports surfaced about the Pirates' interest in trading for Mets infielder Brett Baty.

The players

Brett Baty

A promising infielder for the New York Mets who is drawing trade interest from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Pittsburgh Pirates

A Major League Baseball team that has shown interest in trading for Mets infielder Brett Baty.

Boston Red Sox

A Major League Baseball team that is seeking to add a right-handed hitting outfielder to balance their predominantly left-handed lineup.

Starling Marte

A free agent outfielder who the Red Sox are reportedly interested in pursuing to strengthen their outfield.

Tommy Pham

A free agent outfielder who the Red Sox are reportedly interested in pursuing to strengthen their outfield.

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What they’re saying

“I'll say this about the Pirates: they like a lot of hitters, right? They want to add a hitter. It could be Brett Baty, it could be somebody else. Right now, I don't think anything is necessarily hot when it comes to a Brett Baty deal or a Mark Vientos deal. As far as the Pirates are concerned, I have my doubts as to whether they'll meet the Mets' asking price for that, because the Mets still view those guys pretty highly.”

— Will Sammon, MLB Insider

“And I think if they were to look to make a deal involving someone like Brett Baty, it may involve pitching. It may have to be something where they deal from their rotation, open up a spot, get somebody else, and do some maneuvering that way.”

— Will Sammon, MLB Insider

“But as far as Baty and Vientos go, I do think the Mets view those guys highly, because I still see at-bats for them. You have an opening in left field. You have the DH opening. You could have some first-base opening with Jorge Polanco in there. Brett Baty has added to his versatility. So there is still a lot to like for both of those players with the Mets.”

— Will Sammon, MLB Insider

What’s next

The Mets and Pirates will continue to negotiate a potential trade involving Brett Baty, with the Mets expected to set a high asking price. The Red Sox will also explore free agent options to add a right-handed hitting outfielder to their lineup.

The takeaway

These potential trades highlight the complex negotiations and roster reshuffling that often occur during the MLB offseason, as teams seek to optimize their lineups and address specific needs heading into the upcoming season.