Reds Bolster Third Base with Ke’Bryan Hayes Acquisition
The Cincinnati Reds have made a strategic move by acquiring third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes from the Pittsburgh Pirates. In return, the Pirates receive reliever Taylor Rogers and prospect Sammy Stafura, according to sources.
Hayes, 28, who is under contract until 2029, is batting .236 with two home runs in 369 at-bats for Pittsburgh, the team he has played for throughout his six-year career.
The offense at third base has been a weak point for the Reds this season, ranking 28th in OPS with a .620. Hayes, with a career OPS of .676 and Gold Glove-caliber defense, seeks to provide solidity at this position. Although he won the award in 2023, his offensive performance has not progressed at the same rate. His OPS has decreased in the last three seasons, currently reaching its lowest point with .569.
For his part, Rogers, 34, participated in 40 games for the Reds this year, recording an ERA of 2.45 and allowing only three home runs in 33 innings. The pitcher will become a free agent after this season.
Stafura, 20 years old, played in Class A with Daytona, where he batted .262 with four home runs and 48 RBIs in 88 games. He was selected by Cincinnati in the second round of the 2023 draft and was close to being considered one of the team’s top 10 prospects.
The Reds are three games back in the race for the last National League wild card spot.
