MLB’s hot stove is heating up a day before the league trade deadline.
The Cincinnati Reds have acquired acquiring third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes from the Pittsburgh Pirates, the teams announced on Wednesday. The Pirates are receiving reliever Taylor Rogers and shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura in the trade.
Hayes, 28, has five more years of club control after this year thanks to the eight-year, $70 million extension he signed in 2022.
Hayes, a 2023 Gold Glove-winner at third base, has played in 100 games for the Pirates this season and owns a .236/.279/.290 slash line for an OPS of .569. He has hit two home runs so far this year.
‘He might be the best defender in baseball,’ Reds manager Terry Francona told reporters. ‘If not, he’s right there. He’s that good. We’re trying to find ways to get better and sometimes it might not be the sexiest move but we care so much about trying to play clean baseball and this will be a huge step in that direction.’
‘Having the ability to put (Noelvi) Marte in right field is really going to be helpful to him because it can free him up. He’s been battling it. So, that’s one thing. But again, having a third baseman where ‘you’re out,’ that was important.’
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