Cubs Reportedly Interested In Gold Glove Division Rival As Deadline Looms

Newsweek

09-07-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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The Chicago Cubs are in control of the National League Central entering Wednesday, but they aren't content with standing pat at the deadline. According to Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Cubs have called their division rival Pittsburgh Pirates about the possibility of acquiring Ke'Bryan Hayes.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JULY 04: Ke'Bryan Hayes #13 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action during the game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on July 04, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Mariners won...
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JULY 04: Ke'Bryan Hayes #13 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action during the game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on July 04, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Mariners won 6-0. More
Photo byHayes is an elite defender at third base and in 2023 won the National League Gold Glove at the position by someone not named Nolan Arenado for the first time since 2012, when Chase Headley won the award.
Hayes has been well below league average at the plate this season, posting a 64 OPS+, but has been one of the more enticing options at the trade deadline, with the Detroit Tigers and the New York Yankees having called in about him, according to reports from Hiles and Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
Hayes' best season at the plate came in 2023, where he was just above league average in OPS+ while hitting 15 home runs and collecting 31 doubles.
Meanwhile, the Cubs have had well below league-average output from their third basemen this season, so the plus side of bringing in Hayes is the elite defense received.
The Cubs are expected to be active at the trade deadline to fortify their weaknesses heading into the final stretch of the season. While the Pirates are sitting in the cellar of the division, and are leaning toward selling off pieces to build the future around their pair of stars in Paul Skenes and Oneil Cruz.
With the uncertainty of the third base market this season, the Pirates may be able to drive up the price for Hayes as the trade deadline draws near.
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