The Cincinnati Reds have bolstered their infield defense by acquiring third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes from the Pittsburgh Pirates ahead of the MLB trade deadline. In return, the Pirates received veteran relief pitcher Taylor Rogers and 20-year-old shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura. The trade was first reported by ESPN and later confirmed by the Pirates.
Hayes, 28, had previously been viewed as a foundational player for Pittsburgh after signing an eight-year, $70 million contract. However, the team is shifting toward cost-cutting and long-term rebuilding. The Reds now have Hayes under contract through the 2029 season.
Although Hayes has struggled offensively this year with a .236 batting average, .279 on-base percentage, and only two home runs, he remains an elite defender at third base. He won a Gold Glove and led the position in Defensive Runs Saved with 21 in 2023. According to Baseball Savant, he also posted a combined 36 Outs Above Average in 2022 and 2023.
Cincinnati, currently 8.5 games behind the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers, is aiming to secure a wild-card spot. The team is just three games out and sees Hayes as a valuable addition for their postseason ambitions in 2025.
During his six seasons with the Pirates, Hayes played 576 games, hitting .254 with 39 home runs, 101 doubles, and 212 RBIs.
