Never say never.

As the baseball world continues to focus on the fallout from the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal, life must go on even for the teams directly impacted and now without managers (and in one case a general manager).

For the Mets and general manager Brodie Van Wagenen, a tightrope must be walked: Conduct a thorough managerial search while also doing everything possible to upgrade the roster.

Here’s a sign Van Wagenen is doing just that.

According to Robert Murray, the Mets and Pirates have restarted Starling Marte trade talks.

#Mets and #Pirates recently reopened Starling Marte trade talks, sources said. A deal is not believed to be close at this time. #DBacks were among teams interested earlier this offseason. — Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) January 19, 2020

Marte hit .295/.342/.503 with 23 homers, 31 doubles, six triples, and 25 steals in 2019. Marte is a facsimile of Milwaukee’s Lorenzo Cain. Not quite as good, but close and available. While Marte’s defense did slip some last season, it doesn’t have to mean significant decline has arrived for the 31-year-old outfielder.

Marte owns a 115 OPS+ and 29.1 career WAR since arriving to the majors in 2012.

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If the Mets landed the veteran, cost certainty would arrive at a position of need for the next two seasons. Marte is owed $11.5M in 2020, and comes with a $12.5 club option (with a $1M buyout) in 2021.

Marte could be a difference maker in what’s expected to be a crowded National League playoff field, including the Mets and Diamondbacks. If Arizona lands Marte over the Mets, a flip in the projected NL Wild Card standings could be in order.

Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.