The Pittsburgh Pirates aren’t just dipping their toes into the offseason waters-they’re looking to make waves. With a young ace in Paul Skenes ready to headline the rotation, the front office appears poised to shift into win-now mode. And if the latest buzz around a potential blockbuster is any indication, the Pirates are thinking big-really big.
One name that’s surfaced as a possible target? Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte.
According to league insiders, Pittsburgh is considered a top landing spot if Arizona decides to move their All-Star infielder. That’s not just idle speculation-there’s real smoke here.
Marte is no ordinary trade chip. He’s widely regarded as one of the best second basemen in the game, and he’s locked into a team-friendly deal that makes him even more attractive.
He’s under contract for five more years at $91 million, with a sixth-year player option at $11.5 million. For a player of his caliber, that’s a bargain-and it also means Arizona would demand a significant return.
The Pirates, though, are one of several teams reportedly in the mix. Alongside clubs like the Giants, Phillies, Mariners, Royals, Athletics, and Mets, Pittsburgh has been identified as a strong fit.
But what sets the Pirates apart is their current trajectory. They’ve got a young core, a budding ace in Skenes, and a front office that seems ready to invest in a serious playoff push.
Adding Marte would be a statement. He’s coming off a season where he slashed .283 with 28 home runs and 72 RBIs-numbers that speak for themselves. He brings power, consistency, and postseason experience, all of which would be invaluable to a Pirates lineup that’s still developing its identity.
Second base is one of the areas where Pittsburgh could use an upgrade, and Marte would represent a massive leap forward. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t just fill a hole-he elevates the entire roster. His presence in the lineup would take pressure off younger hitters and add a layer of veteran stability to a team that’s been building toward something bigger.
Of course, a deal of this magnitude wouldn’t come cheap. Arizona holds the leverage here, and any trade would likely require the Pirates to part with top-tier prospects or young MLB-ready talent. But if Pittsburgh is serious about contending-and all signs point to yes-this is the kind of move that could accelerate the timeline.
The winter meetings are expected to bring more clarity on Arizona’s intentions, but for now, the Pirates are firmly in the conversation. And if they can land Marte, it won’t just be a splash-it’ll be a cannonball into the deep end of the National League playoff race.