Yankees Rumors: Could Ke’Bryan Hayes Solve New York’s Hot Corner Crisis?

By Oliver Wiener July 18, 2025 10:16

The New York Yankees’ quest to solve their longstanding third base dilemma has intensified as the July 31 trade deadline draws near. Among the top names linked to the Bronx is Ke’Bryan Hayes, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Gold Glove-winning third baseman known for his elite defense but underwhelming offensive production in 2025. Could Hayes be the answer to New York’s hot corner crisis? The case is compelling, though not without caveats.

Hayes stands out defensively as one of MLB’s premier third basemen. This season, he’s recorded 13 Outs Above Average, putting him in the 99th percentile among his peers. His glove work translates into 10 runs saved, a critical asset for a Yankees team that has struggled defensively at multiple positions. Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay lauded Hayes’ defensive prowess: “Ke’Bryan Hayes is an exceptional defensive player at third base.” This is a player who brings stability and certainty on the field, addressing a glaring weakness in New York's infield .

Offensively, however, Hayes has failed to ignite. His 2025 slash line of .238/.??/.?? with just two home runs and a .576 OPS over 328 at-bats underscores his struggles at the plate. This is significantly below the Yankees’ threshold for offensive output, especially given the team’s need for power beyond Aaron Judge. While Hayes has the advantage of a reasonable contract an eight-year, $70 million deal through 2032 the Yankees’ ambition to compete now means they need more than glove-first players in their lineup .

New York’s internal options at third base have been less than ideal. The team leaned on Oswald Peraza and Jorbit Vivas, whose OPS numbers (.456 and .501 respectively) confirm they are far from reliable offensive contributors. Jazz Chisholm Jr., a natural second baseman, has been shifted to third but expressed discomfort in the role and requested a move back to his preferred position. DJ LeMahieu’s recent placement on the waiver wire leaves the Yankees with even less internal depth.

The Pirates are reportedly open to trading Hayes, with a "60 percent" likelihood of a deal according to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Noah Hiles. Pittsburgh’s struggles and Hayes’s dissatisfaction with his offensive progress create a scenario for a trade . His father, former Yankees third baseman Charlie Hayes, has publicly expressed frustration with the Pirates’ development approach, hinting that a change of scenery might benefit Ke’Bryan’s career.

For the Yankees, acquiring Hayes would improve defense immediately. Their outfield defense has been problematic too, with Aaron Judge notably a defensive liability in right field. Adding Hayes would shore up the infield defense and could complement the team’s power hitters by providing smoother overall defense. Yet, the offensive limitations remain a significant drawback. Fans and analysts alike debate whether the Yankees would be wise to prioritize defensive upgrades at third or seek a more potent bat, with names like Eugenio Suárez and Ryan McMahon also in the conversation .

In essence, the acquisition of Ke’Bryan Hayes represents a classic tradeoff: elite, game-changing defense paired with a limited bat. The Yankees front office, led by Brian Cashman, must decide whether to accept a “buy low” opportunity on Hayes or hold out for a third baseman who can deliver offensively. One thing is clear: whoever fills New York’s hot corner must provide enough impact to help a Yankees team that remains fiercely competitive but riddled with roster inconsistencies .

Could Hayes solve the hot corner crisis? Defensively, undeniably yes. Offensively, the solution is less clear. For a franchise accustomed to star-level impact across the board, the answer might lie in balancing Hayes’ strengths with upgrades elsewhere in the lineup, making New York a smarter, safer bet to strengthen during this critical phase of the season.