New York Yankees fans must like where their team is 58 games in. The Bronx Bombers are 36-22 and 5.5 games up on the second-place Toronto Blue Jays in the American League East.
The Yankees are looking to repeat as Pennant winners, with, right now, the main threat to that goal being the 39-21 Detroit Tigers. Of course, these division races are never over, but the 27-time world champs should be comparing themselves to the Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers of the world throughout 2025.
And when looking at these types of rosters, there are some weaknesses that general manager Brian Cashman is looking to clean up to even the playing field. One position that has been an area of concern is third base. While Jazz Chisolm Jr. is expected to start at the position upon his return, Athlon Sports New York Yankees publisher, Kristie Ackert, revealed the franchise is targeting a potential trade for Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes.
Ackert details why Hayes fits the archetype of the player Cashman is looking for.
“GM Brian Cashman is reportedly busy looking for a starter and a right-handed bat, if it comes as a third baseman, that would be ideal,” Ackert states. “Sunday, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale dropped an interesting nugget in his column that brings back the comments of a Yankees insider from this offseason. He reports that the Pittsburgh Pirates are listening to offers for third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes.
At 28, Hayes is best known for his defense. In 2023, he ended Nolan Arenado’s Gold Glove streak, taking home the award himself. His glove is elite, and the Pirates might be happy to shed Hayes’ salary as the rebuild and not ask for a ton in prospects in return.”
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Ackert also notes that Hayes has struggled at the plate for much of his career, but he could find his rhythm in the Bronx with a change of scenery. Ultimately, third base is a position that the Yankees have been trying to resolve for much of the season.
There haven’t been any easy solutions, and even with Chilsolm Jr. moving to the position, then second base becomes another area of concern. Trading for Hayes might be the move to shore up all doubts for a team with title-or-bust aspirations.
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