The rumors that emerged earlier this month about Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes requesting a trade have been debunked, but that doesn’t change the fact that Hayes is a player who could hold significant value in the trade market.
Over the course of five seasons, Hayes has averaged 15 defensive runs saved and over 11 outs above average. His offensive performance in 2023 was also strong, as he hit .271/.309/.453 with 15 home runs and 61 RBIs. Additionally, Hayes is under a cost-effective contract, earning $37 million over the next five years, with a club option for 2030.
Michael Kay, the play-by-play announcer for the YES Network and host of the Michael Kay Show, suggested the New York Yankees as a potential landing spot for Hayes, should the Pirates decide to trade their Gold Glove-winning third baseman. Kay also mentioned that Hayes’ father, Charlie Hayes, who played 14 years in the majors and won a World Series with the Yankees in 1996, expressed concerns about the Pirates’ approach to his son’s development as a hitter.
“Ke’Bryan Hayes is a defensive wizard at third base,” Kay remarked. “His hitting isn’t where it should be, but he’s clearly unhappy in Pittsburgh. When I spoke with Charlie a couple of years ago, he was puzzled by some of the decisions the Pirates were making with their hitters. If I were the Yankees, I’d be calling the Pirates to see what they want.”
While it’s still most likely that Hayes will be the Pirates’ starting third baseman in 2025, a trade with the Yankees remains a possibility. Given his team-friendly contract, the Pirates could potentially secure a top prospect from New York, such as outfielder Everson Pereira, in exchange for Hayes.
Although Hayes’ trade value may be lower after an injury-shortened 2024 season, if he can stay healthy in 2025, a trade might be a viable option for the Pirates.
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