The Cincinnati Reds have made a surprising move at the MLB trade deadline, opting to acquire third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes from the Pittsburgh Pirates instead of pursuing Arizona Diamondbacks slugger Eugenio Suárez. The Reds will assume the remainder of Hayes’ eight-year, $70 million contract, which includes a $12 million club option for the 2030 season, and send shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura and left-handed reliever Taylor Rogers to Pittsburgh.
This trade marks a significant shift in the Reds’ strategy, as they prioritize defense over offense. Hayes is a renowned Gold Glove defender at third base, and his presence is expected to bolster the Reds’ defense at the hot corner. Although his batting performance has been underwhelming this season, with a .236/.279/.290 slash line, his defensive prowess is undeniable.
The trade also highlights the Reds’ willingness to take on Hayes’ contract, which has an average annual value of $7.5 million for the remainder of the deal. This move suggests that the Reds are committed to building a stronger defensive team, even if it means sacrificing some offense.
The departure of Taylor Rogers, who had become unreliable in recent weeks, may prompt the Reds to pursue another reliever before the trade deadline. Rogers’ struggles had become a concern, and his trade value had decreased significantly.
The loss of shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura may sting slightly, but the Reds have a strong pipeline of shortstops in their farm system, including Tyson Lewis, Edwin Arroyo, and Leo Balcazar. The team also recently drafted shortstop Steele Hall with their 2025 first-round pick, so Stafura’s departure may not be a significant setback.
However, the acquisition of Hayes may impact the Reds’ lineup, as his batting performance has been inconsistent this season. The team’s offense may take a hit, but it’s possible that Nick Krall and the Reds front office have another move in store before the trade deadline expires on Thursday at 6 p.m. ET.
The question now is how the Reds will address the potential hole in their lineup. Will they make another move to bolster their offense, or will they stick with their current roster? The trade deadline is about to get interesting, and Reds fans will be eagerly watching to see what their team does next.
