Pirates Pursuing Trade for Mets Third Basemen

Pittsburgh looking to add depth at the hot corner before the start of the season

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Pittsburgh Pirates are exploring trade options with the New York Mets to acquire third basemen Brent Baty or Mark Vientos. The Pirates are seeking players on cheaper contracts with years of team control, which both Baty and Vientos provide. While the Mets value Baty more as a utility player, the Pirates may have an easier time landing Vientos, who saw his production dip in 2025 after a strong 2024 campaign. The Pirates have been aggressive this offseason in upgrading their roster to support their pitching staff and end their decade-long playoff drought.

Why it matters

The Pirates lack true depth at third base, with Jared Triolo as their only serious option heading into 2026. The team has gone after numerous third base options this offseason but has been unable to land any of them. Acquiring either Baty or Vientos would provide the Pirates with a young, cost-controlled third baseman to solidify the position.

The details

The Pirates are looking at Baty and Vientos as potential trade targets from the Mets, who have an abundance of third basemen after signing free agent Bo Bichette this offseason. Baty is valued more by the Mets as a utility player, so the Pirates may have an easier time acquiring Vientos, who struggled defensively at third base the past two seasons. Vientos would provide the right-handed power bat the Pirates are seeking, while Baty's strong defensive skills at the hot corner would also be an asset.

  • The Pirates are looking to add a third baseman before the start of the 2026 season.

The players

Brent Baty

A young third baseman for the New York Mets who had a breakout season in 2025, setting career-highs in several offensive categories.

Mark Vientos

A third baseman for the New York Mets who had a strong 2024 season but saw his production dip in 2025, including a drop in home runs from 27 to 17.

Jared Triolo

The Pittsburgh Pirates' current starting third baseman, a Gold Glove Award winner as a utility player who has not had a full season of consistent hitting.

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What they’re saying

“Third base, I've heard they have options on several fronts, maybe up to a half-dozen, somewhere around there. The Mets guys are in play, that they have a lot of feelers on there, it's not Isaac Paredes.”

— Jason Mackey, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter (93.7 The Fan)

What’s next

The Pirates will likely need to include a MLB-ready bat, such as catcher Joey Bart, as well as a pitching prospect in order to land either Baty or Vientos from the Mets in a trade.

The takeaway

The Pirates' pursuit of a third baseman highlights their need to add depth and offensive production to support their strong pitching staff. Acquiring a young, cost-controlled player like Baty or Vientos could be a key move to help the Pirates end their decade-long playoff drought.