The Pittsburgh Pirates love utility players. At one point last winter, the Pirates had 13 players on their 40-man roster who had played at least one game at second base in the major leagues.

PNC Park is more suited for left-handed hitters. They can knock balls over or off the 21-foot Clemente Wall in right field.

Considering those factors, the Detroit Tigers' Zach McKinstry could be a potential trade target for the Pirates. The 30-year-old was an All-Star this past season for the first time in his six-year career as he helped the Tigers reach the postseason for a second straight year.

McKinstry posted a career-high 2.8 bWAR in 2025, hitting .259/.333/.438 with 12 home runs and 19 stolen bases. The homers and steals were career highs, though McKinstry stole 16 bases in 2023 and 2024.

McKinstry also provided defensive versatility as he played 85 games at third base, 40 at shortstop, 30 in right field, 15 in left field, six at second base, and one at third base.

McKinstry is a lifetime .231/.300/.381 hitter in 531 games, so maybe this past season was a fluke, especially considering he slashed .213/.278/.378 in his last 180 plate appearances. He may also be a late bloomer.

It wouldn't take a whole lot to get McKinstry in a trade, according to various baseball sources. McKinstry is projected to make $3.5 million in salary arbitration, and the Tigers would be willing to trade him even though he cannot become a free agent until after the 2027 season.

What would it take to get McKinstry?

The Tigers want to strengthen their bullpen, and the Pirates could offer right-hander Justin Lawrence. Though he was limited to 17 appearances this year because of an elbow injury that did not require surgery, Lawrence had a 0.51 ERA as he allowed only one run in 17 2/3 innings.

The Pirates would likely need to add a second player in a trade, and first base prospect Tony Blanco Jr. is intriguing with his great raw power. Yet even though Blanco recently won the Arizona Fall League's home run derby, scouts question if he will make enough contact to reach the major leagues and are concerned that he has played just 109 games in four minor league seasons because of injuries.

Would it be too much for the Pirates to give up? It's something to ponder.