Reds’ Blockbuster: Cincinnati Snags Ke’Bryan Hayes from Pirates for Taylor Rogers and Prospect Power
By Oliver Wiener July 31, 2025 17:41
The Cincinnati Reds have pulled off a significant midseason trade, acquiring versatile infielder Ke’Bryan Hayes from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for left-handed reliever Taylor Rogers and a high-upside pitching prospect. This blockbuster move showcases Cincinnati’s commitment to strengthening their infield and overall roster depth as they push for a playoff spot in the competitive National League Central.
Ke’Bryan Hayes, 26, is widely regarded as one of the most polished young infielders in baseball. Known for his exceptional defensive skills at third base, Hayes pairs that with a developing bat that has shown signs of significant growth. In 2025, Hayes has posted a .273 batting average with 12 home runs and 48 RBIs through midseason, highlighting his ability to contribute both with average and power. His advanced plate discipline and solid contact skills have made him a cornerstone for the Pirates, and Cincinnati hopes that Hayes’ combination of glove and bat will bolster their infield performance and lineup consistency down the stretch.
Trading away Taylor Rogers, a veteran lefty reliever, signals the Reds’ willingness to part with bullpen depth to upgrade their everyday lineup. Rogers, 34, has been a dependable arm out of the bullpen, carrying a 2.45 ERA with a 1.45 WHIP and 34 strikeouts in 33 innings pitched for Cincinnati this season. Known for his command and ability to suppress left-handed hitters, Rogers has appeared in 40 games, serving as a reliable late-inning option. Despite this, the Reds prioritized adding a dynamic infielder with Hayes’s skill set over maintaining bullpen thickness, aiming to improve both offensive production and defense.
General Manager Brad Meador emphasized the strategic nature of the deal, stating, “Acquiring Ke’Bryan is a big step forward for us. His defensive prowess and bat bring balance to our roster and help us in key areas as we prepare for the playoff race. While Taylor Rogers has been invaluable for us, this trade was about long-term competitiveness and shoring up the infield.”
Adding an intriguing layer to the trade was the inclusion of a promising pitching prospect sent to Pittsburgh alongside Rogers. While details remain under wraps, this prospect is considered to have potential to develop into a mid-rotation arm, helping the rebuilding Pirates to replenish their farm system after parting with Hayes.
Manager David Bell expressed optimism about Hayes’s impact: “Ke’Bryan gives us a reliable defender at third base, which is vital. His bat fits well into our lineup and adds versatility. This move shows our intent to compete hard this season and not just stand pat.”
The trade affects the balance of the Reds’ roster significantly. With Hayes solidifying third base, the Reds anticipate more defensive stability and potential run production amid a tight NL Central race. Meanwhile, the bullpen will need to adjust to Rogers’s absence, relying more heavily on other arms to handle late-inning scenarios.
For the Pirates, acquiring Taylor Rogers adds a veteran bullpen piece capable of providing left-handed relief leadership, helping their rebuilding effort. Rogers’s consistent control and experience will be an asset as they turn the page on their young core.
In context, this trade reflects Cincinnati’s playoff-minded approach as they balance immediate roster improvement with some bullpen risk. It underscores the importance of getting impact players like Hayes at key positions while trusting the depth and upcoming arms to compensate in other areas. As the Reds continue their June-to-July surge, this deal may be pivotal in shaping their postseason trajectory.
In summary, the Reds’ acquisition of Ke’Bryan Hayes at the cost of Taylor Rogers and a pitching prospect represents a bold move to upgrade the infield and lineup flexibility. Hayes’s combination of elite defense and emerging offense makes him a critical piece heading into the final months of 2025, while Rogers moves to Pittsburgh to bolster their bullpen depth. This is a classic “win-now” trade that Cincinnati hopes will pay dividends as the playoff race tightens.
This deal vividly reflects the dynamic and strategic roster moves MLB teams are making this season, with Cincinnati betting on Hayes’s impact to elevate their chances in one of baseball’s most competitive divisions.
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