MLB: Miami Marlins at Pittsburgh Pirates The Pittsburgh Pirates’ Ke’Bryan Hayes (13) is greeted by his teammates after hitting a home run in the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images

Cubs 'closely monitoring' trade for Gold Glove 3B

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Jun 29, 2025 9:13 AM ET

The Chicago Cubs are in the market for more than a starting pitcher before the trade deadline on July 31. With Justin Steele out for the season and multiple starting pitchers needing rest, president Jed Hoyer’s top priority should be landing an ace pitcher for a postseason run.

However, the Cubs have an obvious weakness at third base, a position the team knew would be an issue when they passed on Alex Bregman in free agency. Rookie Matt Shaw has not been consistent at the plate this year, and Chicago could use someone with more power in the lineup.

Cubs looking at Ke’Bryan Hayes

Per a report by Francys Romero, the Cubs are one of several teams “closely monitoring ” Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes.

“Several teams are closely monitoring 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes as a trade piece, according to industry sources,” Romero posted on X. “Hayes is one of the players most likely to be traded, with the Tigers, Yankees and Cubs among the potential suitors.”

Several teams are closely monitoring 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes as a trade piece, according to industry sources.

Hayes is one of the players most likely to be traded, with the Tigers, Yankees, and Cubs among the potential suitors.

— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) June 28, 2025

Hayes, 28, offers more than offense. He won the Gold Glove Award in 2023.

Hayes was drafted by the Pirates with the No. 32 pick in 2015. He’s been with Pittsburgh in the majors since 2020. The right-hander is batting .239/.292/.293 with an OPS of .585, two home runs, and 25 RBI.

The Pirates trail the Cubs by 15 games for first place in the NL Central with a 34-50 record. Pittsburgh is expected to be a seller at the trade deadline, but is not likely to part with its ace, Paul Skenes.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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