In a significant move ahead of the 2025 MLB trade deadline, the Cincinnati Reds have acquired Gold Glove third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes from the Pittsburgh Pirates. The trade, finalized on Wednesday afternoon, brings one of baseball’s premier defensive infielders to Cincinnati in exchange for shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura and relief pitcher Taylor Rogers, as reported by The Athletic.
Ke’Bryan Hayes, 28, is widely regarded as one of the best defensive third basemen in Major League Baseball. Since his debut with the Pirates in 2020, Hayes has dazzled with his glove, earning a Rawlings Gold Glove Award in 2023 and the Fielding Bible Award in 2021. His elite fielding skills are expected to strengthen the Reds’ infield defense, allowing prospect Noelvi Marte to transition to the outfield, a move that aligns with Cincinnati’s recent roster adjustments.
While Hayes is a defensive superstar, his offensive production has been less consistent. In 2025, he posted a .236 batting average with two home runs and 36 RBIs in 108 games for the Pirates. His 60 OPS+ over the past two seasons indicates he’s been 40% below league average offensively, a dip from his promising rookie year in 2020 when he hit .376 in 24 games and finished sixth in NL Rookie of the Year voting.
However, there’s optimism that a change of scenery could unlock Hayes’ offensive potential. Great American Ball Park, known for its hitter-friendly dimensions, could be the perfect stage for a resurgence. In 112 career plate appearances at GABP, Hayes has hit .264 with four home runs, suggesting he’s comfortable in Cincinnati’s ballpark. Reds fans are hopeful that Hayes can return to the form he showed early in his career, when he set Pirates records for extra-base hits in his first 17 games.
Hayes is under team control through 2029, thanks to an eight-year, $70 million contract extension signed with the Pirates in 2022, which includes a $6 million team option for 2030. This long-term deal provides the Reds with cost certainty for a player who, at his best, is a cornerstone at third base. With five years of club control remaining, Hayes represents a valuable asset for a Reds team aiming to contend in the competitive NL Central.
In return, the Pirates acquire shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura and reliever Taylor Rogers. Stafura, a young infielder with potential, adds depth to Pittsburgh’s farm system, while Rogers, a veteran left-hander, brings experience to the Pirates’ bullpen. The trade allows Pittsburgh to shed Hayes’ contract while gaining assets to support their ongoing rebuild, especially after a challenging 2025 season where they sit at 46-62.
Spotrac on X (formerly Twitter): “#MLB TRADE#Reds Acquire3B Ke’Bryan Hayes- $2.25M thru 2025- $7M each of 2026-29- $12M 2030 club option#Pirates AcquireRP Taylor Rogers- $1.9M thru 2025- 2026 UFASS Sammy Stafura- #9 prospect / X”
MLB TRADE#Reds Acquire3B Ke’Bryan Hayes- $2.25M thru 2025- $7M each of 2026-29- $12M 2030 club option#Pirates AcquireRP Taylor Rogers- $1.9M thru 2025- 2026 UFASS Sammy Stafura- #9 prospect
