Yankees-Pirates trade idea brings $70 million Gold Glover to NY

The New York Yankees need a new third baseman after letting DJ LeMahieu go and moving Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to second base. While Eugenio Suárez would be ideal, there is another player who makes sense.

What Suárez would bring to the offense is undeniable. However, the Yankees may be prioritizing infield defense with how they have performed in that department in recent years. There is arguably no better defensive third baseman in baseball than Ke'Bryan Hayes. Hayes is reportedly likely to be traded, and FanSided's Rucker Haringey suggested the Yankees trade for him.

"Dealing for Hayes would force New York to take on long-term salary but they could use that fact to drive down Pittsburgh's asking price," wrote Haringey. "This trade only makes sense for New York if they can steal Hayes away on the cheap. Don't rule it out as a last-minute deadline deal."

The Pittsburgh Pirates signed him to an eight-year, $70 million deal in 2022. He is slashing .238/.284 /.293 on the season, but there could be some untapped potential in his bat. Hayes' father, Charlie Hayes, won a World Series with the Yankees, and reportedly told ESPN's Michael Kay in January that he is not happy with how the Pirates have developed his son's bat.

Last season, Jazz Chisholm Jr. was hitting .249 with the Miami Marlins before the Yankees acquired him. He hit .273 the rest of the way for the Yankees and was an All-Star this season.

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Hayes' bat could already be trending in the right direction. Since June 19, he has been slashing .292/.311/.347. If the Yankees can find a way to make him a consistent contact hitter with an elite glove, they would be getting a great player to add to their team.

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