With the Chicago Cubs’ Matt Shaw struggling at the plate and the trade deadline looming, Chicago is reportedly eyeing an upgrade at third base, and Pittsburgh Pirates’ Ke’Bryan Hayes may be the most realistic option.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports that the Cubs have joined the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers in actively engaging the Pirates in a brewing bidding war for 2023 Gold Glove winner Ke’Bryan Hayes.
“The New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers, and Chicago Cubs have all checked in with the Pirates for third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes,” Nightengale wrote on July 20.
Though Hayes’ numbers this season aren’t eye-popping—he’s hitting just .237 with a .577 OPS and only two home runs—the Cubs’ primary goal isn’t adding offense. Instead, they want stability and reliability at third base.
Shaw, the club’s top infield prospect, is batting .208 in July and has yet to show he can consistently handle MLB pitching, raising questions about his readiness for everyday duties on a contending team.
Hayes Brings More Than Just the Glove
Hayes, 28, hasn’t lived up to the hype offensively in Pittsburgh. But his defense at third base remains elite. He’s turned 18 double plays, recorded a .984 fielding percentage, and posted a 1.4 defensive WAR in 91 games , solidifying his reputation as one of the most respected gloves in the National League.
Even if Hayes doesn’t provide a major offensive boost, his elite defense offers the Cubs much-needed stability at third base, easing pressure on Shaw to immediately anchor the position.
Contractually, Hayes is a fit for the Cubs’ long-term plans. He signed a team-friendly $70 million deal that runs through 2029—one of the most affordable contracts in the league for a player of his age and defensive pedigree. If the Cubs can’t find power at the position, pairing Hayes with a more potent bat at DH or first base would still allow them to balance the lineup.
MLB insider Noah Hiles said Hayes has a “better than average” chance of being moved, as Pittsburgh looks to shed long-term commitments and build around a younger core. With the Pirates sitting in last place in the NL Central at 39–60, GM Ben Cherington plans to field offers for most of his veterans.
Cubs Face Competition From Yankees, Tigers
Of course, the Cubs won’t be alone at the negotiating table. The Yankees have reportedly been scouring the market for third base help, and Hayes fits their needs as a controllable, low-cost fallback if bigger names like Eugenio Suárez prove too expensive.
Reports indicate the Tigers are actively pursuing upgrades at third base. They’re still on the fringe of playoff contention in a weak AL Central and have young pitching depth to move. While they may prefer a short-term rental, Hayes’ contract could appeal to them as a future cornerstone.
Still, the Cubs may have the inside track if they’re willing to pair one of their pitching prospects with a controllable bench bat. Adding a player like Hayes could help solidify the infield without breaking the bank or gutting the farm system.
The Cubs must choose between developing Shaw further or turning to Hayes, who would bring stability and long-term value without sacrificing future flexibility.
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