Yankees Could Address Third Base Need with Proposed Trade for Ke’Bryan Hayes
The New York Yankees are searching for stability at third base, and one trade proposal suggests dealing a top-10 prospect to acquire Pittsburgh Pirates’ star third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes.
Hayes, who has reportedly requested a trade, would address a key area of need for the Yankees. MLB analyst Nathaniel Marrero of Sports Illustrated believes New York should consider trading for Hayes, with outfielder Everson Pereira—a top-10 prospect in the Yankees’ system—featured in the proposed deal.
Proposed Trade:
- Yankees acquire: Ke’Bryan Hayes
- Pirates acquire: Everson Pereira
The trade could benefit both teams. The Yankees would secure a long-term solution at third base, while the Pirates gain a promising outfield prospect with the potential to contribute at the major league level this season.
“With Hayes being on a team-friendly contract over the next five seasons, Pittsburgh would likely have a chance to nab one of the Yankees’ better prospects,” Marrero explained. “Outfielder Everson Pereira, New York’s No. 10 prospect per MLB Pipeline, fits the bill. The right-handed hitter has shown versatility by playing all three outfield positions and has hit double-digit home runs in the minors for four consecutive seasons. He also has some big-league experience.”
Hayes is entering the fourth year of an eight-year, $70 million contract that includes a club option for a ninth year. A Gold Glove winner in 2023, Hayes posted a .233 average with 4 home runs and 25 RBIs last season. His defensive prowess and potential for offensive improvement make him an attractive target for New York.
Pereira, on the other hand, hit .265 with 10 home runs and 27 RBIs at Triple-A in 2024. He’s expected to contend for an MLB roster spot this season, making him a valuable addition for Pittsburgh as they continue to build for the future.
Notably, Hayes is the son of former Yankees player Charlie Hayes, adding an intriguing layer to the potential move. For the Yankees, the trade would not only fill a pressing need but also secure a defensively elite third baseman under a team-friendly contract for the long term.
Michael Kay Advocates for Yankees to Pursue Ke’Bryan Hayes
MLB and Yankees analyst Michael Kay has voiced his support for New York trading for Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes.
The infielder has reportedly requested a trade, and Kay sees him as an ideal addition to the Yankees’ roster.
“Ke’Bryan Hayes, the son of former Yankee Charlie Hayes, is under a long-term, affordable deal with the Pirates and has now asked to be traded,” Kay said on his show. “Hayes is a defensive wizard at third base. While his hitting hasn’t reached its full potential, he’s clearly unhappy in Pittsburgh. I remember speaking to Charlie when the Yankees were in Pittsburgh a couple of years ago, and he mentioned frustration with how the Pirates handle hitters. Now that Ke’Bryan has requested a trade, if I’m the Yankees, I’m picking up the phone and asking, ‘What will it take?’”
Kay emphasized Hayes’ defensive excellence and noted that the Yankees could address a critical need at third base with this move. He also highlighted Hayes’ reasonable salary, which makes him an attainable option for New York.
Selected in the first round of the 2015 MLB Draft by the Pirates, Hayes has been a standout defender, though his offensive production has yet to fully materialize.
Pirates Insider Refutes Hayes Trade Rumors
While reports suggest Hayes has requested a trade, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette casts doubt on the likelihood of such a move.
Destin described the speculation as unfounded, stating, “It is entirely a rumor, and there is nothing to it. From conversations I’ve had within and outside the organization, there does not appear to be anything imminent on the trade front regarding Ke’Bryan Hayes. The Pirates’ best option is to hope Hayes regains form under his current contract. Trading him now, given his 2024 performance, would make it difficult to get fair value.”
Since debuting in 2020, Hayes has earned recognition for his elite defensive play, including a Gold Glove in 2023. However, questions about his offensive consistency and trade rumors continue to swirl.
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