Pirates Trade Ke'Bryan Hayes to Reds in Multi-Asset Deal

The Pittsburgh Pirates completed a significant trade by sending longtime third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for reliever Taylor Rogers, top shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura, and cash considerations. Despite Hayes' defensive prowess, being regarded as one of the best third basemen in baseball, his offensive struggles with a low batting average and limited power made him expendable for the rebuilding Pirates, who also cleared nearly $35 million in payroll. The Reds are betting on Hayes' elite defense to stabilize their inconsistent third base position, even though his offensive production remains below average. Taylor Rogers, expected to be flipped to a contender before the trade deadline, provides the Pirates with a valuable short-term asset, while Stafura bolsters their farm system with long-term potential. The move represents a strategic shift for Pittsburgh as they look toward future competitiveness, while Cincinnati hopes to unlock some offensive upside from Hayes in a more hitter-friendly environment. Hayes’ defensive metrics, including 15 outs above average and 16 defensive runs saved this season, underscore his value, despite ongoing offensive challenges.