The latest hitter linked to the Pittsburgh Pirates in trade talks is Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr.

The Pirates could certainly use someone with Robert’s power and speed to add to a lineup that finished last in MLB in runs scored, home runs, and OPS last season. Robert showed how dynamic he can be when he hit 38 home runs and stole 20 bases in 2023.

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Robert also played a career-high 145 games in ’23, the only season he was an All-Star during his six years in the major leagues. However, Robert has not played more than 110 games — his total in 2025 — in any other season.

So, durability is a significant issue for the 28-year-old, who slashed just .223/.297/.364 this year with 14 homers and 33 steals. He has also lost range, as his zero defensive runs suggest, but could move to a corner outfield spot.

The White Sox exercised Robert’s $20 million contract option for next season. He has another club option for 2027 at $20 million, with a $2-million buyout. So, any team trading for Thomas could have him for two seasons before he could be a free agent.

Perhaps the most attractive part of acquiring Robert is that industry sources say the White Sox would not want much in return and might even include a second player to facilitate the trade.

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A second player the Pirates could take a flier on is infielder Curtis Mead, once a highly regarded prospect who has struggled to get his footing in the big leagues. The 25-year-old has hit .238/.300/317 with five home runs in 152 games over three seasons.

Baseball Prospectus ranked Mead as the game’s No. 16 prospect prior to the 2023 season. He was also on Baseball America’s top 100 prospects list for three straight years from 2022-24, peaking at No. 36 in 2023.

The Pirates wouldn’t have to give up one of their top young pitchers, but could part with Thomas Harrington. The right-hander struggled at Triple-A Indianapolis this year after being ranked as baseball’s No. 74 by Baseball America coming into the season.

The Pirates could add a second pitcher in reliever Kyle Nicolas, who has 96 strikeouts in 98 innings in his major league career, but also 53 walks and a 4.68 ERA over three seasons. At 26, Nicolas could still turn things around, but he seems like someone who could use a change of scenery.

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Would Pirates general manager Ben Cherington do this deal? Robert and Mead are right-handed hitters, and the Pirates would prefer lefties. Taking on Roberts at $20 million is also a risk because of his injury issues, but the Pirates wouldn’t be giving up much player-wise.

It’s something to ponder.