Cubs’ Reported Interest in Pirates’ Ke’Bryan Hayes Doesn’t Make Sense
The Chicago Cubs have been linked to a potential trade for Pittsburgh Pirates star Ke’Bryan Hayes as the trade deadline nears, but this rumored move doesn’t seem like a logical fit.
As the Cubs look to bolster their roster and strengthen their World Series contention, they’ve become one of the most talked-about teams in trade discussions. With the deadline fast approaching, it’s shaping up to be an intense month for the Cubs and their fans. While their pitching staff has been a point of concern for some time, and the need for additional arms is clear, Chicago’s interest in other positions has also surfaced in recent days.
Among the most notable rumors is their reported interest in Hayes, the Gold Glove-winning third baseman for the Pirates. Hayes, who was a National League Rookie of the Year contender in 2020, is widely regarded as one of the top defensive players in the league. However, trading for him may not make much sense for the Cubs at this point.
While Hayes’ glove is elite, his offensive production has been disappointing for the past two seasons. Since the start of 2024, he has posted a mediocre .238/.287/.294 slash line over 179 games, with just six home runs and an OPS+ of 63. Although Hayes would certainly provide a defensive upgrade over rookie Matt Shaw, Shaw has been looking significantly better defensively at third base since returning from Triple-A. His improved fielding has made it clear that he could be a future star at the position.
The Cubs are in a position where they need to maximize every opportunity for a World Series run, but giving up assets for a player like Hayes doesn’t make them significantly better, especially when Shaw’s defensive improvement and respectable offensive contributions (0.9 bWAR in fewer games) are already on the table. Hayes, with just a 1.0 bWAR for the season, doesn’t offer enough of an upgrade to justify the move.
If Chicago is seeking a third baseman before the deadline, they should be targeting a player who brings more offensive power. Hayes may be an upgrade defensively, but the Cubs should look elsewhere for a more impactful option if they want to make a meaningful improvement.
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