Third Base Trade Market Is Open and the Yankees Need to Upgrade

The Yankees need a third baseman. That part’s obvious. What’s less clear is what kind of third baseman they’re willing to settle for.

Ke’Bryan Hayes is one of the best defenders in baseball. He’d instantly upgrade the Yankees’ infield. But he’s also hitting .238 with two homers and a .577 OPS. If Brian Cashman wants power at the hot corner, Hayes isn’t it.

Still, his name’s in play.

Pirates insider Noah Hiles reported it’s “better than 50/50” that Hayes gets dealt before the deadline. He’s under contract through 2029 at about $8 million a year—affordable, but long-term. 

While the bat hasn’t come around, his father has advocated that he needs to get out from under the Pirates system to blossom. Charlie Hayes, of course, won a World Series with the Yankees. His son has been linked to the Yankees as far back as last season. 

If the Yankees go this route, they’re not chasing upside. They’re plugging a hole. Hayes brings elite defense, and maybe that’s the priority. The infield’s been a problem all year. Oswald Peraza hasn’t hit. DJ LeMahieu’s gone. The left side is unstable, and the Yankees poured a lot of money in a ground-ball pitcher in Max Fried. They need solid defense, as was made evident last year in the World Series. 

Hayes would upgrade that defense overnight. 

But it’s fair to ask—does fixing the defense fix the team?

With a lineup that still leans left-handed and struggles in big spots, adding another glove-first righty with limited power might not move the needle. And it likely won’t come cheap. Pittsburgh isn’t giving Hayes away.

That might make sense inside the building. But outside? Fans are still waiting for a move that actually feels like it changes something.