Recent rumors about Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes requesting a trade have been debunked, but the fact remains that Hayes could be a highly valuable trade asset. Over his five-year MLB career, Hayes has averaged 15 defensive runs saved and just over 11 outs above average, showcasing his elite defensive skills. Offensively, he’s coming off his best season in 2023, hitting .271/.309/.453 with 15 home runs and 61 RBI. Additionally, his team-friendly contract—$37 million over the next five years with a club option for 2030—makes him an attractive target for teams in need of a Gold Glove-caliber third baseman.
Michael Kay, YES Network broadcaster and host of *The Michael Kay Show*, suggested the New York Yankees as a potential fit for Hayes if the Pirates ever decided to trade him. Kay also mentioned that Hayes’ father, Charlie Hayes—a 14-year MLB veteran and 1996 World Series champion with the Yankees—expressed concerns about how the Pirates have developed his son as a hitter. “Ke’Bryan Hayes is a defensive magician at third base,” Kay said. “His hitting is not what it should be, but he’s obviously not happy in Pittsburgh. I talked to Charlie when the Yankees were in Pittsburgh a couple of years ago, and he was scratching his head about some of the things they do in Pittsburgh with the hitters. If I’m the Yankees, I’m calling the Pirates and saying, ‘What do you want?’”
While Hayes is still expected to be the Pirates’ starting third baseman in 2025, a trade with the Yankees isn’t out of the question. Hayes’ affordable contract could allow Pittsburgh to demand one of New York’s top prospects, such as outfielder Everson Pereira, in return. However, Hayes’ trade value may be at its lowest after injuries limited him to just 96 games in 2024. If he can stay healthy and perform well in 2025, the Pirates might find a trade worth exploring.
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