The New York Yankees have taken steps to strengthen their roster following the loss of outfielder Juan Soto in free agency. Despite these efforts, the exit of second baseman Gleyber Torres has left a notable gap in the infield. Could general manager Brian Cashman address this issue by pursuing a trade for Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes?
Although MLB Scoops claimed that Ke’Bryan Hayes requested a trade from Pittsburgh, multiple Pirates insiders have dismissed the report. Nonetheless, ESPN New York radio host and YES Network announcer Michael Kay still speculated on how Hayes might fit with the Yankees in the Bronx.
“Something has happened that I believe addresses a problem for the Yankees,” Michael Kay said on Thursday. “Ke’Bryan Hayes, the son of Charlie Hayes, who is under a long-term, very affordable contract with the Pirates, has reportedly requested a trade. Hayes is a defensive wizard at third base. While his hitting hasn’t reached its full potential, it seems clear he’s unhappy in Pittsburgh.”
“I spoke with Charlie when the Yankees played in Pittsburgh a couple of years ago, and he seemed puzzled by some of the things they were doing with hitters there,” Michael Kay said. “Now, it’s being reported that Ke’Bryan has requested a trade. If I’m the Yankees, I’m picking up the phone and asking the Pirates, ‘What do you want?’”
Kay added that he doesn’t expect the Yankees to make any major moves unless they can find a trade partner for starting pitcher Marcus Stroman. However, he concluded by emphasizing that Hayes “solves a lot of problems” for a Yankees team searching for additional infield help.
Hayes, who will be 28 during the 2025 season, won a Gold Glove Award in 2023 and is currently in the midst of an eight-year, $70 million contract. His deal keeps him under contract through at least the 2029 season.
