The New York Yankees’ pursuit of Eugenio Suárez has unexpectedly stalled as multiple MLB teams have entered the race, creating a complex trade situation. With the trade deadline approaching, the Yankees are now considering Ke’Bryan Hayes, a $70 million defensive specialist from the Pittsburgh Pirates, as an alternative solution to their ongoing third base challenges.
Unexpected Challenges in Acquiring Eugenio Suárez
The Yankees initially viewed Eugenio Suárez as the clear answer to their third base needs, but the trade market revealed fierce competition from the Detroit Tigers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Seattle Mariners. This sudden multi-team interest has halted progress, much to the frustration of Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, whose plan to solidify third base faced a significant setback.
In the face of this stalemate, the Yankees have turned their attention to an alternative player who offers promising defensive skills and a more manageable financial commitment. Ke’Bryan Hayes, known for his defensive prowess with the Pirates, has emerged as a creative yet practical option. His defensive talents and potential to contribute offensively make him an intriguing candidate to stabilize New York’s third base position.
Analysts Endorse Hayes as a Strong Backup Plan
Joel Sherman of the New York Post highlighted the situation clearly, stating,
“I think they should do what they can to try to get Suárez. He so obviously fit their needs. My fallback position is Ke’Bryan Hayes.”
Sherman draws a comparison between Hayes and former Yankee Scott Brosius, emphasizing Hayes’ exceptional defense. He said,
“He’s as good a defensive third baseman as you will find. So I know I have that for a team that sometimes gets weird with the ball.”
Sherman notes that Hayes’ skill set could benefit from a change of scenery, suggesting that even modest hitting improvements would be valuable for the Yankees.
Jon Heyman reinforced this viewpoint, noting the offensive upsides,
“I’m with you on Ke’Bryan. I think there’s something there. Change of scenery will help him batting 9th, something like that for the Yankees, and if he hits .240, it’s 91 points higher than they’ve got now, right? So I’ll take that.”
The stark comparison reveals how limited the Yankees’ current production at third base has been, underscoring why even a player with an average batting line like Hayes would represent a major upgrade.
Pitching Setbacks Alter Yankees’ Trade Priorities
While the Yankees wrestle with third base decisions, their pitching staff has suffered critical losses, further complicating their postseason outlook. The season-ending injuries to Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt have created an urgent need for starting pitching reinforcements, which has influenced the front office’s trade strategy.
In response, the Yankees have entered the competition to acquire Mitch Keller, the Pirates’ 29-year-old right-handed ace. Keller’s appealing contract, extending through 2028, and strong performance profile have positioned him as a top target among several contending teams. According to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Noah Hiles, the Yankees are now actively pursuing Keller ahead of the MLB trade deadline, setting up a high-stakes contest with other clubs.
Securing Keller is seen as more than just filling rotation gaps—it could provide the Yankees with the pitching stability necessary to pursue players like Hayes with greater confidence, balancing their roster needs as they aim for October success.
Ke’Bryan Hayes: Potentially the Yankees’ Defensive and Financial Solution
Ke’Bryan Hayes offers the Yankees a unique combination of defensive excellence and reasonable financial terms. At a price tag near $70 million, Hayes is significantly more affordable than other third base options, and his glove-first reputation fits the Yankees’ need to tighten up a defensive area that has been a point of concern.
His potential to improve offensively, even to a modest .240 batting average, would represent a meaningful step forward for a team struggling for production at third base. With Mitch Keller possibly strengthening the pitching rotation, the Yankees might leverage this momentum to execute a trade for Hayes, potentially solving two pressing roster problems simultaneously.
As the trade deadline draws near, the Yankees’ front office faces a complex calculus balancing risk and reward. The uncertain outcome of the Suárez bid has forced them to explore alternatives, and Hayes stands out as a compelling choice that could reshape their infield while fitting within the financial framework.
Ultimately, the Yankees’ ability to navigate these roadblocks in acquiring Eugenio Suárez and to pivot effectively toward Ke’Bryan Hayes will be critical in determining their postseason prospects and how they address long-standing roster vulnerabilities.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Eugenio Suárez a free agent?
A. After this season, Suárez will be free to sign with any team. The Diamondbacks seem likely to trade players before the deadline. The Yankees urgently need a third baseman, and Suárez might be a great temporary fix.