Reports suggest the Cincinnati Reds are set to obtain third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes from the Pittsburgh Pirates, as indicated by Jeff Passan of ESPN.
In exchange, the Pirates are expected to receive reliever Taylor Rogers and Sammy Stafura, a 20-year-old shortstop prospect. Pittsburgh may continue to make moves before the MLB trade deadline on Thursday.
Hayes, aged 28 and currently in his sixth MLB season, is under an eight-year, $70 million contract he signed back in 2022. His contract ensures he will remain with the team until 2029.
So far this season, Hayes has participated in 100 games, achieving a .236/.279/.290 slash line, including two home runs and 36 RBI. Despite his batting stats, he is well-regarded for his defensive skills at third base. As a Gold Glove Award recipient, Hayes topped all MLB third basemen in 2023 with 21 Defensive Runs Saved.
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Baseball Savant data reveals that he totaled 36 Outs Above Average in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, ranking second among all MLB players during that period.
“Whenever he is playing defense, he is sure to impress,” Pirates manager Don Kelly mentioned to MLB.com this past June. “His performance there is remarkable.”
The acquisition of Hayes is set to bolster the Reds, who have been seeking to improve their defense as they strive for a playoff spot. As of Wednesday, Cincinnati trails the Milwaukee Brewers by 8.5 games in the NL Central, while they are three games away from securing a wild-card spot in the NL.
