5 former Pirates the team could reunite with at the 2024 MLB Trade Deadline

The MLB Trade Deadline is approaching fast and the rumors are starting. Multiple former Pirates are candidates to be traded at the deadline and Pittsburgh may be buying. Let's go over five former Pirates who could return to Pittsburgh at the deadline.
Arizona Diamondbacks v New York Mets
Arizona Diamondbacks v New York Mets / Adam Hunger/GettyImages
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Starling Marte, Outfield

Another area of reinforcement on the Pirates' active roster is the outfield. The only two primary outfielders on the Pirates who have been serviceable are Bryan Reynolds and Edward Olivares. Jack Suwinski and Michael A. Taylor have played very poorly to this point, which has been a factor in the Pirates' failure to score runs. One former Pirate who could solve the outfield issue is Starling Marte.

The New York Mets have also gotten off to a sluggish start this season, which might result in them selling. Marte has this year and next year left on his contract, so not only would this improve the 2024 roster, but it would also give the Pirates an option for the outfield in 2025.

With the Mets uncertain of their plans for the trade deadline, Marte could be on the trade block. This season, Marte has a batting average of .276 with six home runs and 25 runs batted in. He also has an OPS of .740, which includes an on-base percentage of .326 and a slugging percentage of .414. His wRC+ is a solid 116, and his strikeout percentage is 21.5%.

Statcast metrics indicate that Marte could have better numbers this season. His expected batting average is at .299, which is in the 94th percentile, and his expected slugging percentage is at .454, which is in the 72nd percentile. His average exit velocity is a strong 90.7 miles per hour, which ranks in the 74th percentile.

Starling Marte was a big name on the Pirates a few years ago. As the Pirates look to return to the playoffs, a Marte reunion could help get Pittsburgh in.