PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Pirates are entering the 2026 season with a highly coveted starting rotation, attracting interest from multiple MLB teams, including the New York Mets.
Mets’ Trade Interest
Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported that the Mets have shown interest in acquiring three right-handed starting pitchers from the Pirates: Braxton Ashcraft, Bubba Chandler, and Johan Oviedo.
The Mets faced significant injury challenges in 2025, with nine players on their pitching staff suffering season-ending injuries. This struggle contributed to their failure to reach the postseason, finishing the year with an 83-79 record after being 21 games above .500 at one point.
The Pirates’ Young Arms
The potential trade options offered by the Pirates are appealing. Both Ashcraft and Chandler made their MLB debuts in 2025 and possess six years of team control remaining. Ashcraft had an impressive season, finishing with a 4-4 record, a 2.71 ERA over 69.2 innings pitched, and a WHIP of 1.25. His performance establishes him as a strong candidate for future success.
Chandler remains a top pitching prospect and finished the 2025 season strong, demonstrating his potential to develop further. Although Oviedo entered his first year of arbitration this offseason, the Pirates have expressed a desire to retain both Ashcraft and Chandler, recognizing their importance in the rotation moving forward.
Recent Trade Activities
The Pirates recently traded Oviedo to the Boston Red Sox in a five-player deal that brought outfield prospect Jhostynxon García as the main return. New acquisitions are necessary, especially at third base, where Mark Vientos or Brett Baty are viable options for the Pirates.
Additionally, the Pirates traded starting pitcher Mike Burrows to the Houston Astros, who in turn sent two top prospects to Pittsburgh. The organization is open to making further changes but is cautious about trading away their remaining top arms.
Looking Ahead
With Spring Training just around the corner, the Pirates are considering additions to their pitching staff. The focus remains on developing their young arms while addressing lineup needs. Maintaining a strong rotation is crucial for the Pirates as they strive for success in the upcoming season.
As the offseason continues, keep an eye on how these developments unfold, highlighting Pittsburgh’s strategic positioning through trades and keeping their promising players in place.
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