Ke’Bryan Hayes doesn’t command attention like blockbuster names, but the Pittsburgh Pirates’ third baseman has recently been gaining traction among 2025 MLB contenders.
Hayes offers elite defense, long-term cost control, and just enough offensive intrigue to make him one of the most efficient upgrades available. Teams like the New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers and Chicago Cubs have already shown interest — and the list may grow as July 31 inches closer.
Hayes isn’t the type of player who drives headlines, in the midst of his sixth campaign with the Pirates, but he’s the kind who helps win games. He’s also the kind who rarely becomes available at this stage of the season.
Pirates’ Elite Glove with a Modest Contract
Hayes is one of the game’s premier defensive infielders. A Gold Glove winner and a fixture near the top of every advanced metric — Outs Above Average, Defensive Runs Saved, arm value — his glove is both consistent and game-changing.
What elevates his value is the deal he’s on. Hayes is under contract through 2029, with a club option for 2030, thanks to a team-friendly eight-year, $70 million extension signed in 2022.
He’s making less than $10 million annually in most of those years—a number that looks like a bargain in today’s market. At just 27 years old, Hayes brings years of control at a cost that makes sense for any payroll. He’s affordable enough for small-market teams and stable enough for big-market teams looking for a long-term solution at third base.
Offense Still Developing, But Ceiling Remains
The bat hasn’t caught up to the glove with the Pirates — at least not yet. Hayes has always had contact skills and has improved his strikeout rate, but the power hasn’t arrived. His career OPS remains around league average, and he’s never posted more than 10 home runs in a season. For some teams, that’s a concern. For others, it’s a growth area.
Scouts and front offices still believe there’s more in the tank. Hayes has the tools — bat speed, pitch recognition, and a strong approach — but hasn’t unlocked them consistently in Pittsburgh. A change of scenery, a deeper lineup, and a more aggressive offensive approach could elevate his game. Even if he stays who he is, a plus-glove, contact-oriented infielder with occasional pop is a win for most contenders.
Teams like the Tigers see a glove-first cornerstone who fits their defensive identity. The Yankees could use Hayes to stabilize third base, where DJ LeMahieu is aging and Oswald Peraza hasn’t cemented his role. The Cubs, in transition but still competitive, could benefit from Hayes’ ability to contribute now and grow into more.
The Pirates aren’t openly shopping Hayes, but they’re listening. His contract makes him valuable, but also tradable. And if Pittsburgh sees a chance to add controllable arms in return, they’ll consider it. In a deadline market full of rentals and high-priced stars, Hayes offers rare efficiency and long-term fit with any contender.
Hayes fits as a quality all-around player that could lift a team’s hopes come October. The team that gets him will be getting another clutch member of a lineup, who is built for the playoff atmosphere.
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