Pirates Eye Mets’ Infield Depth as Third Base Search Heats Up
With spring training just around the corner, the Pittsburgh Pirates are making it clear: they’re not content standing pat. After putting in work to shore up a pitching staff they believe can be the backbone of their 2026 campaign, the front office is turning its attention to a position that’s been a bit of a revolving door in recent years-third base.
The goal? Stability.
A little power wouldn’t hurt either. And, in true Pirates fashion, affordability is front and center.
That’s where things get interesting with the New York Mets. After a bold offseason move to bring in Bo Bichette, the Mets suddenly find themselves with a logjam at the hot corner. And for a team like Pittsburgh-always mindful of payroll-young, controllable talent is exactly what they’re looking for.
According to Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, who spoke on “93.7 The Fan” on February 13, the Pirates are actively working the trade market, and Mets infielders are squarely on their radar. “Third base, I’ve heard they have options on several fronts, maybe up to a half-dozen, somewhere around there,” Mackey said.
That points directly to two names: Brett Baty and Mark Vientos.
Both players fit the Pirates’ mold. They’re still in their pre-arbitration years, meaning they come with a low price tag and years of team control.
Both bring upside-Baty with his left-handed bat and solid defensive tools, Vientos with raw power that’s shown flashes at the big-league level. And with Jared Triolo currently penciled in at third, the Pirates seem eager to inject some competition into the position as camp opens.
This isn’t just about plugging a hole. It’s about creating internal pressure, raising the floor, and maybe even finding a long-term answer at a position that’s lacked consistency since the heyday of Jung Ho Kang and Pedro Alvarez before him.
Remembering a Pirates Legend: Elroy Face (1928-2026)
While the front office is focused on the future, the Pirates family is also taking time to honor its past.
On February 12, the organization announced the passing of Elroy Face at the age of 97 in North Versailles, Pennsylvania-just days before what would’ve been his 98th birthday. A true franchise icon, Face was inducted into the Pirates Hall of Fame in 2023 and still holds the club record for appearances, with a staggering 802 games over 15 seasons.
Known as the “Baron of the Bullpen,” Face was a pioneer of relief pitching long before the role became specialized. His 96 career wins in relief remain a National League record.
And his 1959 season? An eye-popping 18-1 out of the bullpen-something we may never see again in today’s game.
Chairman Bob Nutting paid tribute, calling Face “a key force in the 1960 World Series run” and “a trailblazer in the evolution of modern relief pitching.” Face’s impact on the game, and on the Pirates organization, is etched in history.
He is survived by his three children and his sister.
As the Pirates prepare to turn the page to a new season, they do so with an eye on both the future and the legacy of those who helped build the foundation. Whether it’s making savvy moves for young infielders or honoring legends like Face, the message is clear: the Pirates are moving forward with purpose-and they’re not forgetting where they came from.