Ke’Bryan Hayes trade grades for Reds, Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates are under the spotlight at this year’s Major League Baseball trade deadline. Rumors have swirled around Pirates ace Paul Skenes for months, but the first player moved was Ke’Bryan Hayes. Pittsburgh sent him to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for Taylor Rodgers and Sammy Stafura. It might not be the last deal the Pirates do at the MLB trade deadline, though.

Plenty of teams around the league were interested in adding Hayes, including the New York Yankees. However, the Reds were the ones that swooped in and took him off the market. Stafura was one of Cincinnati’s top ten prospects and Rodgers was a key part of their bullpen. However, Hayes fills a big hole at third base on the Reds as they try to build momentum.

The National League Central has been a two-team race for the majority of the season. The Milwaukee Brewers finally passed the Chicago Cubs, but Cincinnati has been lurking. They are on the brink of the NL wild card picture and are just a few wins away from a playoff berth. The entered the MLB trade deadline wanting to go all-in, and they did so by trading for Hayes.

The trade gives Elly De La Cruz a partner on the left side of the Reds’ infield. Noelvi Marte was doing well enough, but Hayes’ peak offensive production has a much higher ceiling. While they have been under the radar throughout this season, many experts believe that Cincinnati is a good candidate to have a strong second half.

The Reds completed the trade before kicking off one of the more unique series in MLB history. The Pirates, on the other hand, made a move with their future in mind. The trade could be a hint that they are throwing in the towel on 2025 and looking forward.

Here are grades for each side of the deal, with the Reds walking away as the victor.

Reds grade: A-

Pirates grade: C+