The Chicago Cubs have experienced considerable rotation at third base this season, with Matt Shaw showing improvement during his current tenure. Despite this, the Cubs remain involved in trade discussions concerning the position, particularly focusing on Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes. Hayes, under a $70 million contract through 2029, has attracted attention from several teams, including Chicago, seeking to address their third base needs.

Francys Romero of Beisbol FR highlighted that Hayes is widely monitored as a potential trade candidate this season, making him one of the most likely high-profile players to be moved before the deadline. Although the Cubs now have Shaw performing competently, their interest in Hayes suggests they are open to upgrading their infield defense.

Ke’Bryan Hayes’ Defensive Strengths Contrasted with Offensive Struggles

Ke’Bryan Hayes has established himself as a top-tier defender since debuting in 2019. According to Baseball Savant, Hayes ranks in the 97th percentile for Fielding Run Value and leads all players with a 100th percentile mark in range, or Outs Above Average. These metrics underline his exceptional defensive abilities, which would significantly enhance the Cubs’ infield if acquired.

However, Hayes’ offensive output has been disappointing. His Batting Run Value (BRV) stands in the first percentile, reflecting one of the poorest hitting performances in MLB this season. Among all players, Hayes ranks third worst with a -14 BRV. His batting line of .236/.290/.290 over 298 at-bats, alongside an OPS+ of 62, places him 38 percent below league average.

Comparatively, Matt Shaw’s hitting is only modestly better, with a current OPS+ of 78, emphasizing the Cubs’ ongoing challenge to boost offense at third base.

Potential Impact of a Hayes Trade on the Cubs’ Roster and Future Plans

Adding a player like Hayes would upgrade the Cubs’ defense from solid to exceptional. Nevertheless, acquiring him would require negotiating a deal with their divisional rival, the Pittsburgh Pirates. With the Pirates reportedly seeking to offload salary commitments, any trade compensation might be manageable for Chicago.

Although a deal involving Hayes is not imminent, the Cubs’ interest in him signals they are actively exploring options for third base reinforcement. Should the Cubs finalize a trade, Shaw’s role would come under immediate pressure, potentially prompting a position shift, shared playing time, or even a trade to address other team needs, such as starting pitching or additional roster support.

This looming decision represents a pivotal moment for the Cubs as they balance developing young talent with the desire to strengthen key positions ahead of the season’s remainder.