Matt Higgins
The Cincinnati Reds pulled off a stunning blockbuster trade with National League Central rival Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday, acquiring third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes for prospect Sammy Stafura and left-handed reliever Taylor Rogers, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Full trade, per ESPN sources:
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 30, 2025
Cincinnati receives: 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes
Pittsburgh receives: SS prospect Sammy Stafura and RP Taylor Rogers
Hayes is one of the elite defenders in the game today, winning a Gold Glove in 2023 and ranking first in baseball with most outs above average at third base this season.
Most outs above average at third base this year
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) July 30, 2025
Hi hello Ke’Bryan Hayes 🔑 pic.twitter.com/Oji8RTgPsK
Hayes’ offense leaves much to be desired, though. He’s slashing just .236/.279/.290 with two home runs and a 59 OPS+ — meaning he’s 41% worse than the league average hitter. In his six seasons in Pittsburgh, he posted a .676 OPS and 86 OPS+ with 39 home runs.
He hasn’t improved offensively since recording career highs in 2023 in home runs (15), OPS (.762) and OPS+ (103).
Despite his offensive struggles, top MLB reporters believe he can thrive in Cincinnati.
“Much needed change of scenery for the elite defender,” New York Post’s Jon Heyman posted on X.
Ke’Bryan Hayes goes to Reds. Much needed change of scenery for the elite defender.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 30, 2025
Hayes could see a boost in his offensive production at Great American Ball Park, which is considered one of the more hitter-friendly stadiums in baseball.
“Whether Hayes can return to form offensively from where he was two years ago, is to be seen, but Great American Ball Park is as good a place as any to rediscover your offensive prowess. In 112 career plate appearances at GABP, Hayes has hit .264/.304/.434 in Cincinnati with four homers,” notes The Athletic’s Reds senior writer C. Trent Rosecrans.
Hayes is under club control for the next five seasons. He signed an eight-year, $70 million extension with the Pirates in April 2022 that includes a $12 million club option in 2030.
The Pirates received Cincinnati’s No. 9 prospect in Stafura, a 20-year-old shortstop who has an .804 OPS with four home runs, nine triples and 18 doubles in Single-A. Pittsburgh also got Rogers, a former All-Star who has a 2.45 ERA in 40 appearances this year.
