The Pittsburgh Pirates Could Be Eyeing a Former Batting Champion — But Not Everyone Thinks It’s the Right Move
The rumor mill around the Pittsburgh Pirates is spinning faster than ever as winter approaches, and this offseason might shape the team’s direction for years to come. Insiders continue to connect Pittsburgh to several offensive upgrades as they look to spark a lineup that often struggled to produce in 2025. But here’s where it gets interesting — one of those names comes with both high upside and a bit of baggage.
On Monday’s MLB Insider Show with Bleacher Report, Jon Heyman mentioned New York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil as a possible trade target for the Pirates. The connection immediately turned heads. McNeil, once the National League batting champion, offers an intriguing balance of experience, discipline, and versatility — all traits that the Pirates need right now.
Heyman also noted that the front office has at least glanced at two high-profile free agents: catcher J.T. Realmuto and designated hitter Kyle Schwarber. However, he admitted that neither of those acquisitions feels especially realistic given Pittsburgh’s long-term financial strategy. As Heyman put it, “Pirates, I think they’re going to be in on trades. Certainly, potentially hitters. That’s what they’re looking at.” In other words: expect action, but not necessarily in free agency.
So how does McNeil fit into all this? After capturing the 2022 National League batting title with a .326 average, the two-time All-Star’s stats have leveled off. Over the past three seasons, he’s batted a modest .253. Still, his overall production remains solid — in 2025, he posted a 111 weighted runs created plus (wRC+) and contributed 2.1 wins above replacement (fWAR). For a team like Pittsburgh, that’s a notable improvement.
And while McNeil might not be the pure contact hitter he once was, his underlying numbers tell a positive story. His walk rate climbed to a personal best of 10.6 percent last season, showing a more patient approach at the plate, while his strikeout rate stayed low at 11.9 percent — virtually identical to his career average. Perhaps even more promising, his isolated power (ISO) rose to .168, his best since 2019. That suggests a player quietly reshaping his game as he enters his mid-30s.
McNeil’s contract could make him a realistic trade target, too. He’s set to earn $15.75 million next year, with a club option for the same figure in 2027. At age 34, and after eight seasons with New York, he might soon follow Brandon Nimmo — who was recently traded for Marcus Semien — out of Queens. With the Mets acquiring Semien, McNeil would have to shift out of his primary second base role to make room for the Gold Glove infielder. Some speculated he could move to the outfield or even fill in at first base should Pete Alonso depart in free agency, but McNeil’s future in New York still looks uncertain.
And then there’s the drama. Mike Puma of the New York Post recently revealed that McNeil had another tense confrontation with shortstop Francisco Lindor this past June — a verbal altercation that reportedly echoed a physical incident between the two four years ago. Could lingering clubhouse tension push the Mets toward a trade? That’s the million-dollar question.
For Pittsburgh, the opportunity is tempting. Only two players on their roster — Spencer Horwitz and Joey Bart — finished 2025 with a wRC+ above 100, meaning their offense lagged significantly behind league average. Adding McNeil could boost the team’s on-base ability and bring some sorely needed balance to the lineup. On the other hand, some analysts argue the Pirates should focus instead on adding a true power bat, such as Brandon Lowe, to maximize their scoring potential.
This potential move leaves fans divided: is McNeil the steady veteran presence the Pirates need, or just another mid-tier addition that delays the club’s offensive breakthrough? His contact skills and defensive flexibility would fit the Pittsburgh mold, yet the team’s need for home-run power remains pressing.
So what do you think — should the Pirates pursue Jeff McNeil as part of their push toward contention, or would they be better off taking a bigger swing on a power hitter? Let’s hear your take in the comments.
