The Cincinnati Reds made a significant move prior to the deadline, and it came from an unexpected trade partner. The Reds acquired third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes from the Pittsburgh Pirates, a fellow National League Central Division team.

The trade, announced on Wednesday, sees the Reds sending left-handed reliever Taylor Rogers and shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura to Pittsburgh in exchange for Hayes, who has been a fixture in the Pirates’ lineup since his debut six years ago. The 28-year-old 3B is currently hitting .236 with two home runs and 36 RBIs across 369 at-bats this season.

Despite the dip in his offensive numbers, the Reds are hoping that a change of scenery will reignite his bat. Hayes has been known for his remarkable defensive capabilities, earning a Gold Glove in 2023. He leads all MLB third basemen with 16 defensive runs saved this season, showcasing his elite fielding skills.

Cincinnati finds itself well in the mix for a a playoff spot. They currently sit three games behind the final National League wild-card spot as of Wednesday’s games with a 56-52 record. In contrast, the Pirates are struggling at the bottom of the NL Central, ranking near the bottom in several key offensive metrics.

The trade confirms Cincinnati’s desire to bolster their roster as they push for just their second postseason appearance since 2013. Reds president of baseball operations, Nick Krall, emphasized the importance of buying at this stage of the season. “If you’re selling, that means you’re losing. So if you’re a buyer, you’re in position to potentially get to the postseason and see what happens. We want to continue to support our players as they are competing,” Krall stated.

The Reds have struggled offensively from their third base position, ranking 28th in the league with a meager .620 OPS. In contrast, Hayes boasts a career OPS of .676, despite his recent challenges with consistency at the plate.

First-year Reds manager Terry Francona expressed optimism about the acquisition, recognizing Hayes’ defensive skills as crucial to the team’s goal of playing clean baseball. “He might be the best defender in baseball. If not, he’s right there,” Francona said, highlighting the need for an upgrade at third base after the team used six different players at the position this season.

Hayes, the son of former major leaguer Charlie Hayes, is under contract through 2029, with the Reds holding a $12 million option for 2030. In exchange, the Pirates receive Taylor Rogers, a seasoned reliever with a 2.45 ERA in 40 appearances for Cincinnati this year. Rogers, a 10-year veteran who was named an All-Star with the Twins in 2021, will provide a veteran presence in the Pirates’ bullpen. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Sammy Stafura, who performed well at Class-A Daytona, could help the Pirates with future plans as he develops further, showing promise in his first professional season.

As the trade deadline approaches, both teams look to reshape their futures—Cincinnati aiming to secure a playoff spot while Pittsburgh prepares for a rebuilding phase. Whether Hayes gives the Redlegs enough of a boost to catapult the team into the postseason will be something for fans to watch as the season winds down. Hayes is projected to make his first start in Cincinnati on Thursday against the Atlanta Braves.