MLB Rumors: Pirates Place Gold Glover On Trade Block; Yankees Interested

July 16, 2025 ,
Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes hits the ball during 2025 game.

Ke’Bryan Hayes is quickly becoming one of the most likely trade candidates ahead of this year’s MLB deadline, and the New York Yankees are right in the mix.

Ke’Bryan Hayes Trade Looks Likely and the Yankees Are Circling

According to Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, there's now a “better than 50/50” chance that the Pittsburgh Pirates move their slick-fielding third baseman. With the Pirates sinking in the standings and reportedly looking to shed salary, Hayes’ name has surfaced with legitimate traction for the first time, especially with New York needing defensive help on the infield.

Hayes’ elite glove is not in question. He’s the reigning Gold Glove winner and ranks among the top defenders in all of baseball, with 13 Outs Above Average and 10 Runs Prevented in 2025. But his offense remains a liability, just a .238 average, .577 OPS, and only two home runs in 328 at-bats. 

That hasn’t stopped the Yankees from showing interest, given their ongoing struggles on the left side of the infield and the instability surrounding Oswald Peraza. If defense is the priority, Hayes fits perfectly, though the long-term cost of his eight-year, $70 million contract and his history of back issues will give any front office pause.

The Yankees are known for swinging big at the deadline, but Hayes would be more of a strategic upgrade than a splashy one. His bat hasn’t developed as hoped, and his back has limited his availability in past seasons. 

Yet, if New York believes a change of scenery, and a team with playoff aspirations, can unlock Hayes’ offensive potential, it could be a smart buy-low move.

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

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