The New York Mets could be considering trading more players after moving Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil earlier this offseason. With recent additions like shortstop Bo Bichette signing a three-year contract and second baseman Marcus Semien acquired from the Texas Rangers, the Mets appear open to trading promising infielders Brett Baty and Mark Vientos. This development comes amid trade rumors drawing attention from multiple MLB teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Pirates have shown particular interest in Baty and Vientos, though the Mets are expected to set a high asking price. According to MLB insider Will Sammon, while the Pirates like the idea of adding hitters, any deal for Baty or Vientos faces uncertainty given the Mets’ valuation of these players.
I’ll say this about the Pirates: they like a lot of hitters, right? They want to add a hitter,
Sammon said.
It could be Brett Baty, it could be somebody else. Right now, I don’t think anything is necessarily hot when it comes to a Brett Baty deal or a Mark Vientos deal. As far as the Pirates are concerned, I have my doubts as to whether they’ll meet the Mets’ asking price for that, because the Mets still view those guys pretty highly.
Potential Trade Components Could Involve Pitching Shifts
In exploring how a trade involving Brett Baty might be structured, Sammon suggested that pitching could factor into the negotiations. The Pirates may need to offer a rotation player in exchange to create roster flexibility for the Mets, indicating complex maneuvering might be required to finalize any deal.
And I think if they were to look to make a deal involving someone like Brett Baty, it may involve pitching,
Sammon added.
“It may have to be something where they deal from their rotation, open up a spot, get somebody else, and do some maneuvering that way.”
Despite the trade speculation, the Mets seem prepared to retain both Baty and Vientos if no suitable offer arises, especially given their versatility and potential roles on the team in the near future. Sammon emphasized that the Mets foresee opportunities for these players to contribute in various positions.
But as far as Baty and Vientos go, I do think the Mets view those guys highly, because I still see at-bats for them,
Sammon noted.
You have an opening in left field. You have the DH opening. You could have some first-base opening with Jorge Polanco in there. Brett Baty has added to his versatility. So there is still a lot to like for both of those players with the Mets.
Red Sox Seek Right-Handed Outfielders to Balance Lineup
The Boston Red Sox, playing at Fenway Park, are reportedly targeting right-handed hitting outfielders to diversify their predominantly left-handed lineup. Their current outfield roster includes Wilyer Abreu, Roman Anthony, Jarren Duran, and Masataka Yoshida, all left-handed batters, with Ceddanne Rafaela as the only regular right-handed hitter. The Red Sox see enhancing platoon balance as a priority while addressing infield needs during the offseason.
According to Will Sammon and Katie Woo, free agents such as Starling Marte, Tommy Pham, and Randal Grichuk are among players Boston could pursue to strengthen their outfield. Marte, in particular, has demonstrated strong performance against left-handed pitching recently, though concerns linger regarding his age and injury history.
Trades and Signings May Shift Team Dynamics for 2024
As MLB teams like the Mets and Red Sox prepare for the upcoming season, strategic trades and acquisitions are poised to impact roster compositions significantly. The Mets’ willingness to entertain offers for Brett Baty and Mark Vientos reflects a broader approach to reshaping their infield and outfield after acquiring Bo Bichette and Marcus Semien. Meanwhile, Boston’s interest in right-handed hitters aims to add depth and versatility to their lineup at Fenway Park.
The potential trade between the Mets and Pirates illustrates the complex negotiations typical in MLB’s offseason, where high valuations and roster needs influence deal feasibility. Should the Mets and Pirates reach an agreement, it might involve exchanging pitching talent to satisfy both clubs’ strategic goals.
Fan and analyst attention will likely sharpen around these developments, as the futures of promising players like Baty remain uncertain amid trade discussions. The success of these moves will be critical as teams aim to optimize performance and contend in the 2024 MLB season.
On Mets Hot Stove, @WillSammon reports that there are teams interested in trading for Brett Baty, and discusses his & Mark Vientos' future with the Mets pic.twitter.com/9Pf4KjPazP
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 5, 2026
The Red Sox are exploring adding a righthanded hitting outfielder, according to @WillSammon and @katiejwoo.
Infield remains their priority. Some RHH outfielders in free agency include Randal Grichuk, Starling Marte, and Tommy Pham. pic.twitter.com/9iSaRcvMXP
— Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) February 4, 2026
