With the MLB trade deadline just over a month away, there will be an uptick in rumors for the Detroit Tigers as they look to address the need they have at third base. While some rumors can quickly be discarded, such as the idea of the Tigers pursuing Nolan Arenado, other rumors simply offer a solution that no one is asking for.
Baseball reporter and international prospect expert Francys Romero reports that the Tigers are among several teams "closely monitoring" Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes.
While the Pirates have sent loud signals that Paul Skenes will not be traded, just about everyone else on their roster is up for grabs. A former first-round prospect, Hayes hasn't lived up to the expectations of his prospect profile since making his Major League debut with the Pirates in 2020.
Despite hitting five home runs and posting a 194 wRC+ in 24 games with the Pirates during the shortened 2020 season, for his career, Hayes carries a .683 OPS with an 86 wRC+.
Several teams are closely monitoring 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes as a trade piece, according to industry sources.
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) June 28, 2025
Hayes is one of the players most likely to be traded, with the Tigers, Yankees, and Cubs among the potential suitors.
Tigers Rumors: Ke'Bryan Hayes emerging as trade target for Detroit
Hayes has been especially bad over the last two seasons with the Pirates. After posting a 59 wRC+ in 396 plate appearances in 2024, the former Pirates' top prospect has continued his struggles this season. Through his first 302 plate appearances in 2025, Hayes is carrying a line of .239/.292/.293 (64 wRC+). What Hayes lacks in his offensive profile, he makes up for with his defense at third base. Hayes is an excellent defender and, if nothing else, would shore up the hot corner for the Tigers on defense.
The larger issue, however, is that Hayes' contract is a bit of a problem. The veteran inked an eight-year contract extension worth $70 million shortly after the 2022 season started. With no club options until 2030, Hayes would be under team control through the 2029 season at the very least. With the diminishing offensive production, that should be a terrifying thought for the Tigers.
The hope is that the Tigers are merely just doing their due diligence and checking the box of, at least, evaluating Hayes as an option. Short of him playing third base, he wouldn't move the needle as much, if at all. Considering Eugenio Suarez is also on the trade market, that would be a more worthwhile option for the Tigers as they would be adding a prolific power hitter to the middle of their lineup.
