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Could This Young Elite Third Baseman Be the Missing Piece for the Yankees?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Jun 1, 2025 5:41 PM ET

After getting whooped by the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday, the message to the New York Yankees’ front office was clear: they need to do something. GM Brian Cashman is reportedly busy looking for a starter and a right-handed bat, if it comes as a third baseman that would be ideal.

Sunday, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale dropped an interesting nugget in his column that brings back the comments of a Yankees insider from this offseason. He reports that the Pittsburgh Pirates are listening to offers for third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes.

While Hayes does not have the right-handed power numbers the Yankees are looking for, this could be an opportunity move.

At 28, Hayes is best known for his defense. In 2023, he ended Nolan Arenado’s Gold Glove streak, taking home the award himself. His glove is elite. This year, he leads all MLB third basemen with six Outs Above Average (OAA), a Statcast metric that measures range and playmaking. Over the past four seasons, he’s racked up 72 Defensive Runs Saved, topping the position. That’s impact defense.

Offensively, it’s been a different story. Hayes is hitting .223 with a .560 OPS in 2025, a clear dip from his career norms. That’s a concern, but it’s one the Yankees might be willing to overlook given their lineup depth and their ongoing struggle to settle on a reliable third baseman.

The Pirates might be happy to shed Hayes’ salary as the rebuild and not ask for a ton in prospects in return.

YES Network’s Michael Kay has been vocal about this. Earlier this year, he suggested the Yankees should make a move for Hayes, citing conversations with Hayes’ father, former Yankees infielder Charlie, who isn’t thrilled with how Pittsburgh has handled his son’s offensive development.

Maybe a change of scenery and voices would benefit Hayes’ offense. The Yankees have had some success with the sons of their former players this season, with Cody Bellinger’s resurgence.

Hayes is signed through 2030 on a team-friendly deal, another plus for New York, which always wants to balance cost and talent. With Pittsburgh rebuilding and the Yankees needing stability at third, this could be a long-term win-win trade. Hayes brings top-tier defense and a manageable contract. If New York can unlock more offense from him, they get a solid upgrade on the hot corner.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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