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Report: Yankees Have Ke’Bryan Hayes 'On the Radar' at Trade Deadline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 5:50 PM ET

The Yankees are still looking for answers at third base. And while the usual trade targets continue to circulate — Nolan Arenado, Ryan McMahon, Eugenio Suarez — New York Post columnist Jon Heyman has added a new name to the list: Ke’Bryan Hayes.

Heyman reported that Hayes is "on the radar" of the Yankees front office as they work the trade deadline.

In a column outlining eight potential trade fits at third, Heyman said the Yankees are keeping tabs on Hayes as a possible “change-of-scenery guy.” The 27-year-old Pirates third baseman is known for his elite glove but hasn’t hit enough to live up to his early promise, even with a recent hot stretch.

“He’s said to be ‘on the radar’ of the Yankees as a classic change-of-scenery guy,” Heyman wrote. “The Pirates are open-minded on all but pitching phenom Paul Skenes and iconic outfielder Andrew McCutchen, and Charlie Hayes’ son is a great defender — although even after his Mets-triggered hot streak in last weekend’s debacle, his OPS is next to last among qualifying 3B (.601).”

That number — .601 OPS — is glaring, even for a Yankees team currently trying to patch holes at third base. Hayes has never posted an OPS over .762 and has dealt with injuries in recent seasons. But there’s no question about his defense — and the Yankees, who have watched throws sail and gloves fumble all season, clearly value that.

The Yankees’ interest may not be new.

YES Network broadcaster Michael Kay floated Hayes as a potential trade target this past offseason, citing his defensive value and upside. While the idea didn’t gain much traction then, the Yankees’ ongoing infield instability has likely revived the conversation.

There’s also the legacy angle. Hayes’ father, Charlie Hayes, caught the final out of the 1996 World Series for the Yankees. Ke’Bryan was drafted in the 32nd round by the Yankees out of high school — though he never signed. The connection has always been there.

Still, this isn’t a perfect solution. Hayes is under contract through 2029 on a team-friendly deal. He won’t cost a top-tier prospect, but he’s also not an instant fix at the plate. What he does offer is steady defense and cost certainty — two things the Yankees could use.

And based on the names surfacing, it’s clear the Yankees are willing to get creative to fix third base.

Ke’Bryan Hayes isn’t the biggest name on the board. But the Yankees are watching — and they’re not alone.

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

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