Bob Nightengale urges the Pirates to make Ketel Marte trade
The The Pittsburgh Pirates are trying to find a way to get back to the postseasonafter a decade of drought. Pittsburgh has a valuable asset in starting pitcher Paul Skenes, but not enough run support to help him. One Major League Baseball columnist calls for the Bucs to trade with Arizona Diamondbacks for infielder Ketel Marte.
“If they really want to be aggressive, they have the pitching depth to trade for Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte,” USA Today reporter Bob Nightengale wrote Sunday.
Nightengale claims the Pirates have the payroll to make a deal for the Arizona infielder.
“The biggest star who is a realistic trade candidate is Ketel Marte. He comes with a relatively modest contract ($92 million) and is under control until 2031. The D-backs, however, believe now is the time to cut ties and desperately need to make a move,” added Nightengale.
During the 2025 season, Marte hit a .283 batting average with 28 home runs and 72 RBIs. The Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays and Detroit Tigers are also rumored to be interested in him.
The Pirates need offense to get back to the MLB playoffs
Pittsburgh finished the 2025 season 71-91. The Pirates had a starting rotation that was a solid group, led by Skenes. Skenes finished the campaign with the Cy Young National League award.
The Pirates, however, were poor offensively. Pittsburgh finished dead in almost every statistical category for offense in MLB. Pittsburgh didn’t win over too many fans with their trade deadline moves, as David Bednar, Ke’Brian Hayes and others left at the end of the summer.
Pirates fans are hungry for a win before Skenes leaves town. Skenes was rumored to be headed to the New York Yankees. The star pitcher denied those reports.
Time will tell if Pittsburgh can add that needed offense. The The Pirates lost Josh Naylor after being pushedand they were previously mentioned as a candidate to land free agent Kyle Schwarber.
Pittsburgh hasn’t made the postseason since 2015. It’s been much longer than that since the Bucs won the division crown.
2025-12-07 15:41:00
