Story by (Mike Watters-Imagn Images)Jon ConahanThu, January 22, 2026 at 2:31 AM UTC·2 min readThe Pittsburgh Pirates continue to look for ways to speed up their rebuild without sacrificing the long-term vision of the organization. While much of the focus remains on internal development, there’s a growing belief that the front office could explore trades to help a young core that has a chance to be among the best in baseball. The infield has been the talk of the winter, mainly at third base. Until the Pirates go out and do what’s needed on that front, many will continue to question it. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDanny Demilio of Pittsburgh Baseball Now believes the Pirates could look at the New York Mets as a potential trade partner, with Mark Vientos being listed as a name to watch.“The Pirates could consider adding a right-handed hitting third baseman as the bulk of the expected top hitters in the lineup bat left-handed, so Vientos is a possibility.