MLB Insider Links Pirates To Former NL Batting Champion

The hot stove is heating up around the Pittsburgh Pirates early in a potentially difference-making offseason. Chatter keeps linking them to intriguing hitters for an offensive lift.

Jon Heyman floated another potential trade target on Monday’s “MLB Insider Show” for Bleacher Report. He named New York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil as a possible option.

Heyman added that the Pirates are exploring free-agent catcher J.T. Realmuto and designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, but he didn’t seem to consider signing either Philadelphia Phillies veteran as too likely.

“Pirates, I think they’re going to be in on trades,” Heyman said. “Certainly, potentially hitters. That’s what they’re looking at.”

McNeil has hit .253 over the last three seasons since winning the National League batting title with a .326 average in 2022. Yet the two-time All-Star remains a productive hitter who posted an above-average 111 weighted runs created plus (wRC+) and 2.1 fWAR in 2025.

While no longer an elite contact hitter, McNeil posted a career-high 10.6 percent walk rate last season while maintaining an 11.9 strikeout percentage that matched his career clip. He also demonstrated more power with his highest ISO (.168) since 2019.

McNeil, who turns 34 in April, will make $15.75 million next season with a 2027 club option for the same amount. Following eight seasons in New York, he could feasibly follow Brandon Nimmo as the next long-tenured Mets position player moved this offseason.

The Mets acquired Marcus Semien from the Texas Rangers for Nimmo, requiring McNeil to vacate second base for the Gold Glove winner. McNeil could move to the outfield or see time at first base if Pete Alonso signs elsewhere, but a recent report cast more uncertainty about his future.

McNeil allegedly had “a heated confrontation” with star shortstop Francisco Lindor in June, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post. The verbal altercation took place four years after a reported physical encounter between the middle infielders.

That could give the Pirates the chance to add a productive starter to a lineup that saw only two players (Spencer Horwitz and Joey Bart) notch a wRC+ above 100 in 2025. But they may benefit more from pursuing a slugger such as Brandon Lowe.

More Pirates: MLB Insiders Identify ‘Ideal Fit’ For Pirates Lineup On Trade Market