The MLB trade deadline is fast approaching, with the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, and Detroit Tigers among the clubs expected to be buyers this summer. While every team needs pitching, these three organizations are also reportedly eyeing the same infielder.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette‘s Noah Hiles reported that the Yankees, Tigers and Cubs are among the clubs that asked the Pittsburgh Pirates about third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes.
Related: Chicago Cubs, New York Mets eye trade for All-Star SP
- Ke’Bryan Hayes stats (ESPN): .247/.296/.404, .599 OPS, 2 home runs, 29 RBI, 10 steals in 300 at-bats
Hayes, age 28, won’t offer much run support for any club that might acquire him. Over the last two seasons, the right-handed hitter has produced just six home runs with a .239/.289/.296 triple-slash line and a .585 OPS across 718 plate appearances in Pittsburgh.
However, he remains outstanding with the glove at the hot corner. According to Baseball Savant, Hayes ranks in the 97th percentile for Fielding Run Value and is in the 99th percentile for Outs Above Average. He also leads all third basemen in Defensive Runs Saved (12) by a significant margin.
- Ke’Bryan Hayes contract (Spotrac): $7 million salary in 2025-27, $8 million salary in 2028-29, $12 million club option in 2030
The veteran infielder has never recaptured his form from the 2023 season, when he posted a .762 OPS with a .271/.309/.453 triple-slash line—his only season with double-digit home runs (15). While he brings negative value at the plate, his speed and outstanding defense make up for it.
Hayes would still represent an upgrade for all three inquiring clubs. Entering play on July 5, Cubs’ third baseman ranked last in FanGraphs‘ WAR (-0.5), while the Yankees ranked 19th and the Tigers 13th in fWAR at third base.
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