Tigers can justify trading for Ke'Bryan Hayes with this expanded Pirates package

The Detroit Tigers have been linked to Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes in multiple trade deadline rumors, and Tigers fans are understandably skeptical.

Trading for Hayes means taking on a hefty contract for an underperforming bat with a lengthy injury history. The 28-year-old, who spent two separate stints on the IL last season due to chronic back issues, is owed $30 million over the next four seasons, plus a $12 million club option for 2030.

MLB insider Bob Nightengale wrote in a Sunday column for USA TODAY that the Tigers were one of three teams that had "checked in" with the Pirates on the Gold Glove third baseman, along with the New York Yankees and the Chicago Cubs. The presence of multiple suitors – all of whom are legitimate playoff contenders – could further drive up the price for Hayes, who won a Gold Glove for his defense in 2023 but is a below-average hitter.

Tigers can justify trading for Ke'Bryan Hayes with this expanded Pirates package

Both of the Tigers' primary third base options – Javier Báez (.276) and Zach McKinstry (.279) – were named to the American League roster in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game and have higher batting averages than Hayes (.237). However, Hayes boasts elite defensive skills at the hot corner, and Báez and McKinstry can both play elsewhere on the diamond.

While the addition of Hayes might bring down their team batting average, the Tigers could easily justify a trade for Gold Glove-caliber defense if the Pirates were to sweeten the pot with some pitching reinforcements.

The Tigers need bullpen help if they are going to make a deep postseason run, and David Bednar and Dennis Santana are both intriguing high leverage relief arms who have been at the center of several trade rumors leading up to the deadline. If the Pirates package one of these relievers – both of whom are arbitration-eligible for one more season after this one – in a deal with Hayes, the offer may be too good for the Tigers to pass up.

If Detroit really wanted to go full throttle, they could ask about Mitch Keller as a rotation reinforcement. The right-hander is under contract through 2028 at about $18 million per year and is one of the most durable starters in the league over the last four seasons. That would cost the Tigers more than they might be comfortable with in a trade, but with the team facing rotation questions as early as this offseason, it might be a prudent move to consider.

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