Yankees trade plan could bring Ke'Bryan Hayes as Oswaldo Cabrera replacement

The New York Yankees would prefer to bolster their infield, particularly with Oswaldo Cabrera 's injury. They require a third-baseman or second baseman who is capable of hitting. With Jazz Chisholm Jr. playing both positions, the Yankees do have some maneuvering room. But getting a quality hitter that can also defend is not easy. There are not many quality bats available at second or third base. Most of the great players in those spots will not be displaced. So

Ke'Bryan Hayes could help Yankees at third base
Ke’Bryan Hayes is also considered to be one of the league's best defensive third basemen. He's even won a Gold Glove Award. But his batting has never even approached his fielding. This season, he's batting just .253 with one home run. His OPS+ is 67, and it was 60 last season. That's considerably below average.

Sources: New York Yankees showing a lot of interest in Pirates 3b - Ke'Bryan Hayes.

— BuccoMike (@BuccoMike) May 16, 2025

However, Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay believes Hayes is worth considering. He suggested that the Yankees should call the Pirates and ask about him. Kay further suggested Hayes is unhappy in Pittsburgh and might play better with a change of environment. He also suggested that Hayes's father, Charlie, had asked some questions about how the Pirates treat hitters.


Newsweek's Drew VonScio also mentioned Hayes as a Yankees possibility. The Yankees have a giant hole to fill at third base with Cabrera no longer there, he said. Since the Yankees lack much firepower within the organization, Ke’Bryan Hayes could be an option especially on defense.


Michael Kay sees potential even if Ke’Bryan Hayes isn’t a big hitter

Ke’Bryan Hayes is only 28, so he might not suddenly become a premium hitter. He was drafted in 2015 and has gotten his fair share of time to come into his own. But with his plus glove, he can still be a valuable commodity for the Yankees. Defense matters as well, especially in tight playoff games.


The Yankees would need to determine whether or not to gamble on Ke’Bryan Hayes's defense or keep looking for a better bat. They may not have much of a skilled hitter available at second or third base, so Ke’Bryan Hayes may be the best they have even with his light hitting.


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