The New York Yankees continue their search for an infielder ahead of the trade deadline.
Reports have floated around that the team would prefer to acquire a third baseman and move Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to second base, a natural position for him. The latest report may certainly help that cause.
Francys Romero is reporting the Yankees are one of three teams are 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,” wrote Romero. “Hayes is one of the players most likely to be traded, with the Tigers, Yankees, and Cubs among the potential suitors.”
Defensively, Hayes has been as good as one can get. He already has one Gold Glove award, and he is well on his way toward winning many more in his career. So far this season, he’s tied for third with 12 Outs Above Average, according to Baseball Savant.
Offensively, though, things are rather bleak. Hayes is hitting just .236 this season with a .579 OPS and 62 OPS+ for the Pirates. For context, a 100 OPS+ is league average.
The Yankees have a connection with the Hayes family as Ke’Bryan’s son, Charlie, spent much of his career with the Bronx Bombers. If Hayes were to be traded, it’s hard to see him going anywhere but the Yankees.
Aaron Boone would have his work cut out for him to try and improve Hayes’ offensive performances. The Yankees would also have to try and work around his injury concerns as his back issues have resulted in multiple trips to the injured list since he made his debut in 2020.
However, Hayes is certainly an upgrade over what the Yankees have now. If they can get him on track at the plate, the trade would be extremely worthwhile given his team-friendly contract.
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