The first domino has dropped for the Pittsburgh Pirates as we get closer to the trade deadline.
The Pirates have tradedGold Glove third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes to their division rival, the Cincinnati Reds, in a bold move that reshapes both clubs’ futures. Hayes, long known for his elite defense, shifts from anchoring Pittsburgh’s infield to stabilizing Cincinnati’s, despite a down year at the plate (.236 average, 2 HR, .279 OBP). In return, the Pirates received veteran lefty reliever Taylor Rogers and high-upside infield prospect Sammy Stafura, signaling Pittsburgh’s continued commitment to its rebuild.
For Cincinnati, the deal injects defensive prowess and long-term value into a team chasing a playoff spot. With their third basemen combining for subpar production, Hayes offers elite glove work—15 Outs Above Average, 16 Defensive Runs Saved—and hopes of offensive revival in the hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park. Meanwhile, Rogers heads to Pittsburgh after posting a 2.45 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 33 innings for the Reds. Rogers is the type of player who could be moved again before tomorrow.
The centerpiece for Pittsburgh is Stafura, a 20-year-old shortstop from Single-A who’s slashing .262 with a .393 OBP and 28 stolen bases. His blend of athleticism and plate discipline gives him top-10 prospect status in Cincinnati’s system and aligns well with the Pirates’ long-term development plan. Trading Hayes—signed through 2029—also frees up possible future payroll and opens opportunities for younger players in Pittsburgh’s infield pipeline. I know, Pirates fans have heard this before.
Though the deal sparked debate across both fanbases, it reflects a growing willingness among MLB teams to prioritize strategic alignment over traditional rivalries. The Reds are banking on defensive reinforcements to push them into October, while the Pirates make a calculated bet on future upside yet again. If Hayes returns to form in Cincinnati, or Stafura emerges as an everyday impact player, this rare intra-division trade could define both franchises for years to come.