Reds' Ke'Bryan Hayes Poised to Become Surprise Deadline Steal

On Monday night, Ke'Bryan Hayes made a crucial play to help the Cincinnati Reds defeat the Chicago Cubs. This performance has sparked speculation that the Reds may have acquired a potential steal in the third baseman at the trade deadline.

According to baseball insider Ken Rosenthal, the Reds' acquisition of Hayes could prove to be a savvy move, despite the belief that the Pittsburgh Pirates did well to get out from under his contract. Rosenthal points out that Hayes' contract is front-loaded, meaning the Reds will only owe him an average of $7.5 million per year over the next four seasons.

Furthermore, Rosenthal believes that Hayes' offensive struggles in 2025 are likely to improve. As of August 5th, 2025, Hayes has the worst OPS in the league among qualified players, ranking 157th out of 157. However, Rosenthal argues that there is nowhere for Hayes to go but up, and even a slight improvement at the plate could make his defensive prowess, which includes the potential for a Gold Glove, a valuable asset for the Reds.

The Reds' acquisition of Hayes raises questions about the future roles of other top prospects in the organization, such as Noelvi Marte and Christian Encarnacion-Strand. With Spencer Steer seemingly locked in at first base, the Reds will need to determine where these talented players fit into their long-term plans.