Yankees blockbuster trade idea would land $70 million star amid injuries

The New York Yankees have a sudden need at third base. Oswaldo Cabrera suffered an ankle injury that will likely end huis season, and they may have to find his replacement on the trade block.

The Yankees got DJ LeMahieu back and Jazz Chisholm Jr. is also progressing toward a return. However, the team has noted that LeMahieu likely will not play every day, meaning the team still needs a reliable third baseman. They could move Chisholm back to the hot corner, but a trade would be more beneficial. Newsweek's Drew VonScio suggested the Yankees trade for Ke'Bryan Hayes of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

"Hayes hasn't been the best hitter over the course of his career to this point, but so far this season he's hitting .260 with a home run and 14 RBI," wrote VonScio. "His 78 OPS+ is under the league average, but he's one of the best in the league defensively at third base. Any manager or front office executive will tell you saving a run is just as valuable as scoring one yourself. Hayes may not provide the most offensively, but he will be a Gold Glove finalist nine times out of every 10 seasons."

The Pirates just fired their manager and are 15-31. They are shaping up to become sellers at the deadline, and Hayes' father, Charlie, has already voiced his displeasure with the organization to Yankees play-by-play announcer Michael Kay. Kay revealed what Haytes had to say about his son's team on an episode of the "Michael Kay Show."

"Ke'Bryan Hayes is a defensive magician at third base," Kay said on Jan. 15. "His hitting is not what it should be, but he's obviously not happy in Pittsburgh. I talked to Charlie when the Yankees were in Pittsburgh a couple of years ago, and he was like scratching his head about some of the things they do in Pittsburgh with the hitters. Whatever the case may be, if I'm the Yankees, I'm calling the Pirates and go, 'What do you want?'"

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Hayes' father was a World Series champion with the Yankees in 1996. His son signed an eight-year, $70 million deal with the Pirates in 2022. He is an affordable option, but would likely cost the Yankees some decent prospect capital. He is under club control through 2030 and could be the Yankees' answer at third base for years to come.

He already has a Gold Glove to his name. Even if he is not an elite producer at the plate, he would be an upgrade from the Yankees' current options. Additionally, playing in a more talented lineup on a team with winning aspirations could lead to an increase in his offensive production.

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