The New York Yankees have been active in their efforts to strengthen their roster following the loss of outfielder Juan Soto to free agency. Despite these moves, the departure of second baseman Gleyber Torres has left a noticeable gap in their infield that general manager Brian Cashman must address. One potential solution? Trading for Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes.
While rumors have circulated about Hayes requesting a trade from the Pirates, as reported by X user MLB Scoops, several insiders close to the Pirates have disputed these claims. Regardless, Michael Kay, ESPN New York radio host and YES Network announcer, has weighed in on the matter, expressing his belief that Hayes could be the answer to the Yankees’ infield dilemma.
Kay described Hayes as “a defensive magician” at third base, highlighting his exceptional fielding skills, which earned him a Gold Glove Award in 2023. While Hayes’ offensive performance may not yet meet his full potential, Kay suggests that his frustration with the Pirates’ approach to hitting, and his potential desire for a fresh start, could make him an ideal target for the Yankees. Kay referenced a conversation he had with Charlie Hayes, Ke’Bryan’s father, during a Yankees-Pirates series, in which Charlie expressed confusion over Pittsburgh’s handling of their hitters.
With Hayes still under contract with the Pirates on a team-friendly, long-term deal—an eight-year, $70 million contract through at least the 2029 season—Kay urged the Yankees to explore the possibility of making a trade. “If I’m the Yankees, I’m calling the Pirates and asking, ‘What do you want?’” Kay said, suggesting that Hayes could be a key player to address multiple needs in New York’s infield.
Although Kay doesn’t anticipate any major moves from the Yankees unless they can find a suitor for starting pitcher Marcus Stroman, he emphasized that acquiring Hayes could be a game-changing move for New York. With the 28-year-old Hayes entering the 2025 season, he would bring elite defense to the Yankees, potentially solidifying their infield for the foreseeable future. The move would help the team recover from Torres’ departure and potentially spark Hayes’ offensive growth, creating a significant boost for the Yankees as they look to remain competitive in the American League.
