/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn-tor.buminteractif.com%2F2026%2F02%2F09233218%2FVientos-1024x577-1-1.webp)
The day after the Super Bowl is always a little sad for sports fans. It marks the end of something beautiful, namely the NFL season, which won't start again until September. On the other hand, it also marks the beginning of something wonderful, because it means that MLB season is just around the corner. Oh yeah!
Baseball rhymes with spring, and spring rhymes with prospect. For one of the first times in several years, Pittsburgh Pirates fans can, sparingly, live on prospects. As my colleague Sébastien Berrouard wrote this morning, Marcell Ozuna is coming to Pennsylvania for 2026 and maybe 2027.
Earlier in the offseason, the Pirates brought Ryan O'Hearn and Brandon Lowe into their ranks. These two versatile players will contribute greatly to racking up wins. What's more, it seems that the Steel City's representatives aren't done shopping yet. Third baseman Mark Vientos' name has been linked to the Pirates.
This is very encouraging for the team's fans, who are more numerous than one might think.
The Pirates are not quite done this offseason. After some more than solid offensive additions in Marcell Ozuna, Ryan O'Hearn, and Brandon Lowe, the Pirates remain very active on the trade market. One name they've kept close tabs on this offseason: 3B Mark Vientos, per source.
— Julian Scott (@JulianScottMLB) February 9, 2026
When Bob Nutting decides to spend
Pittsburgh Pirates owner Bob Nutting is undeniably one of the most controversial owners in MLB. The crown for most controversial probably rightfully goes to John Fisher, owner of the A's, but Nutting is not far behind.
It's a shame, because he owns a historic franchise with one of the most beautiful stadiums in the Majors. Prestigious players have passed through Pittsburgh, including Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell, and even Barry Bonds. He can also count on a strong fan base, which is not the case everywhere. Although his fortune is estimated at $1.1 billion, Nutting is not pulling out his checkbook to improve the product on the field, despite popular pressure. Granted,he is the fifth least wealthy of the 30 owners in the league, but he is still a billionaire, so there is no excuse other than being stingy.
No one knows what got into him (fear of a lawsuit, perhaps?), but Nutting is unrecognizable. He has decided to take his wallet out of his pocket, and that's good news for the Pirates, because they really need the boost.
A reinvigorated infield
Back on the field, the Pirates' infield could look pretty good if the club reaches an agreement with the New York Mets to acquire Vientos. It's important to understand that the Mets' infield is completely saturated, with the presence of newcomers Semien, Polanco, and Bichette, not to mention Francisco Lindor, of course.
The potential arrival of the 26-year-old in Pittsburgh would fill two significant gaps for the Pirates. First, defensively, Pittsburgh would improve instantly. Second, even though Ozuna bats right-handed, the arrival of another good right-handed hitter wouldn't hurt.
An infield consisting of O'Hearn at first base, Lowe at second base, and Vientos at third base might not be the best in the league, but it would be far from the worst.
This content was created with the help of AI.
