PITTSBURGH — In a bid to revamp their roster and address ongoing struggles, the Pittsburgh Pirates have decided to part ways with their standout third baseman, Ke’Bryan Hayes. Despite signing a significant contract extension in 2022 with expectations of rejuvenating the team, the Pirates found themselves still mired in last place three years on. Consequently, Hayes is heading to a new team.
On Wednesday, Pittsburgh traded Hayes, renowned for his defensive prowess and having secured a Gold Glove, to division rivals the Cincinnati Reds. In return, the Pirates received veteran reliever Taylor Rogers, promising shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura, and financial considerations. This trade provides the Reds with a stellar defender at third base on an affordable long-term deal. Hayes’ contract outlines a salary of $7 million for 2026 and 2027, escalating to $8 million for the subsequent two years, and includes a $12 million club option for 2030.
Cincinnati manager Terry Francona, commenting on the move, expressed enthusiasm: “He might be the best defender in baseball. If not, he’s right there. We’re trying to improve and this is a significant step towards playing clean baseball.” The Reds have been rotating players at third base throughout the season, with recent regular Noelvi Marte transitioning to the outfield to accommodate Hayes’ arrival.
This trade thrusts Hayes from a struggling team to a contender in the playoff chase. As of Wednesday, Cincinnati was just three games behind San Diego in the race for the National League’s third wild-card spot. Reds’ president of baseball operations, Nick Krall, sees this acquisition as a move in the right direction, noting the team is focusing on potential postseason entry, which would be only their second since 2013.
“If you’re buying, it means you’re competitive,” Krall stated. “That’s the priority; to keep the team competitive and provide the necessary support.”
While Hayes’ initial MLB debut in the shortened 2020 season was impressive—with a .376 batting average and five home runs over 24 games—he struggled to maintain this form over a full season schedule. This year, Hayes hit .236 with two home runs and 36 RBIs, contributing to the Pirates’ position at the bottom of the NL Central due to their lackluster offense.
A change of scenery might rekindle Hayes’ spark, according to Francona, who noted, “We know where the hitting has been and sometimes a change can help.” The Pirates now look internally to fill the gap left by Hayes, potentially with utility infielder Jared Triolo, a Gold Glove winner in 2024, or current shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who played third base in a recent game against San Francisco.
With the acquisition of 34-year-old Taylor Rogers, the Pirates bolster their bullpen. The experienced left-hander, notable for his All-Star selection with Minnesota in 2021, posted a steady 2.45 ERA across 40 appearances this season with the Reds. Additionally, the Pirates gain a youthful talent in Sammy Stafura, a 20-year-old selected in the second round in 2023, who has been showing promise at Class A.
As for Ke’Bryan Hayes, who overcame early health challenges and set personal bests in 2023 with 15 home runs and 61 RBIs, his departure opens up new strategic possibilities for both him and the Pirates moving forward. The Pirates might consider signing a more offense-oriented player to fill the third base role during the offseason, although their approach in recent years has leaned towards short-term contracts for veteran players in hopes of unexpected success.