Pirates Predicted to Trade for Cost-Effective 17 HR Slugger, Upgrade from Jared Triolo

The Pirates could make one final move to bolster their offense by acquiring Mark Vientos from the Mets.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Pittsburgh Pirates have already made several offseason moves to upgrade their offense, but Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly suggests they should make one final trade to acquire young slugger Mark Vientos from the New York Mets. Vientos had a down year in 2025 but was a budding star in 2024, and he could be a cost-effective upgrade over the Pirates' current third baseman Jared Triolo.

Why it matters

The Pirates are committed to overhauling their offense this offseason, and acquiring Vientos could be the final piece they need. Vientos has shown the potential to be a power-hitting third baseman, which would be a significant upgrade over Triolo's .667 career OPS.

The details

Vientos slashed .266/.322/.516/.837 with 22 doubles, 27 home runs, and 71 RBI in 2024, but his numbers dipped to .233/.289/.413/.702 with 21 doubles, 17 home runs, and 61 RBI in 2025. However, he would still be a cost-effective option for the Pirates, as he only made $788,000 last season and likely won't make much more than that in 2026.

  • The Pirates reportedly finished runner-up to the Cincinnati Reds for slugger Eugenio Suárez this offseason.
  • Jared Triolo is currently the Pirates' projected starting third baseman for the 2026 season.

The players

Mark Vientos

A young slugger for the New York Mets who had a down year in 2025 but was a budding star in 2024, hitting 27 home runs and driving in 71 RBI.

Jared Triolo

The Pirates' current projected starting third baseman, who has a career .667 OPS.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Considering he looked like a budding star when he hit five home runs and drove in 14 runs during a 2024 run to the NLCS, it's kind of crazy we're sitting here talking about the Mets moving Mark Vientos.”

— Tim Kelly, Bleacher Report Writer (Bleacher Report)

What’s next

The Pirates will need to negotiate a trade with the Mets to acquire Vientos, and the Mets will have to decide if they are willing to part with the young slugger.

The takeaway

Acquiring Vientos could be the final piece the Pirates need to complete their offseason overhaul of their offense. Even if he doesn't return to his 2024 form, he would still be a significant upgrade over Triolo at third base and a cost-effective option for the Pirates.