The Pirates' quest for a third baseman continues, and after missing out on Eugenio Suárez, they might want to consider a trade for Mark Vientos from the New York Mets. While Suárez was a sought-after free agent, his acquisition would have come at a high cost, and the Pirates could have missed out on a more cost-effective option.
Mark Vientos, a 26-year-old third baseman, had a solid 2025 season, albeit a step down from his impressive 2024 performance. He slashed .233/.289/.413 with 17 home runs in 121 games, contributing a wRC+ of 97. In 2024, Vientos was a three-win player with an OPS of .837 and 27 home runs in 454 plate appearances.
Despite a shorter resume, Vientos shares similarities with Suárez in terms of batted ball metrics and strikeout rates. His xwOBA and Hard-Hit% are comparable, and he possesses similar power, including a plus power that isn't limited to his pull side. However, Vientos' acquisition might be more feasible for the Pirates.
Unlike Suárez, who was a free agent, Vientos is not yet eligible for salary arbitration, meaning he'd be making near the MLB minimum salary in 2026 with three years of affordable team control. This makes him a more cost-effective option for the Pirates, who can still allocate funds for other areas of improvement.
Trading for Vientos as a pre-arb third baseman would allow the Pirates to maintain their budget while addressing the third base position. They could also pursue other upgrades, such as adding another bat or strengthening their pitching staff. The team's ongoing search for a third baseman has been a topic of speculation, and with Vientos, they might find a solution that fits their financial constraints and strategic goals.
