The Reds acquired Gold Glover Ke'Bryan Hayes from the Pirates in a July 31 deadline stunner. See how the trade for the defensive star impacts their 2025 season.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The trade deadline clock struck 6 p.m. on Thursday, and when the dust settled, the Cincinnati Reds had made their statement. In a move that bolsters the infield defense to an elite level, the team acquired Gold Glove-winning third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes from the division-rival Pittsburgh Pirates. It was a day of calculated moves and future promise, with the newest Red immediately thrown into the fire for a pivotal series opener against the Atlanta Braves.
'That's why we play this game, to play in the playoffs and ultimately win a World Series.' - Ke'Bryan Hayes on joining the Reds.
The biggest splash of the day came with the acquisition of Ke'Bryan Hayes, one of the premier defensive third basemen in all of baseball. To land the 2023 Gold Glover, the Reds sent reliever Taylor Rogers and shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura to Pittsburgh. Hayes's defensive prowess is no secret; he boasts a +11 fielding run value this season and has saved an astounding 91 defensive runs since 2020. Manager Terry Francona praised the move, emphasizing the immediate upgrade. For Hayes, the move is a chance to compete. 'That's why we play this game,' he said, 'to play in the playoffs and ultimately win a World Series.' He didn't have to wait long to get started, as he was penciled into the ninth spot in the lineup for his debut.
While fans may have been hoping for a blockbuster bat, the front office made a clear choice: solidify the defense and trust the current lineup and coaching to find the offense. After securing Hayes, the Reds stood pat, signaling their belief that preventing runs will be as crucial as scoring them down the stretch. The hope is that a change of scenery and new coaching can help Hayes find his form at the plate. Francona's message to his new player was simple and supportive: 'I just told him, 'Hey man, just do your best to help us win and we'll try not to overwhelm you the first day.'' It's a low-pressure message for a high-impact player.
With the trade deadline buzz still in the air, it was back to business at Great American Ball Park. The Reds (57-52), sitting third in a tight NL Central race, kicked off a crucial three-game set against the Atlanta Braves (45-62). The matchup featured some of the league's top power hitters, with Elly De La Cruz (18 HR, 69 RBIs) looking to continue his stellar season for the Reds and Matt Olson (18 HR, 67 RBIs) leading the charge for the Braves. All eyes, however, were on the new guy at third base, hoping his debut would mark the beginning of a strong final push for October.
As if the day wasn't exciting enough, the Reds' future got even brighter. Shortstop prospect Tyson Lewis officially cracked MLB Pipeline's Top 100 list, coming in at number 100. Lewis, a 2024 second-round pick, has been on an absolute tear, slashing .340/.396/.532 in the Arizona Complex League before earning a promotion to Low-A Daytona. He promptly homered in his first at-bat there and is off to a hot start. Lewis becomes the seventh Reds prospect on the prestigious list, a testament to a farm system that is now undeniably one of the deepest in the sport. This depth was a major talking point on deadline day, giving the Reds incredible flexibility for the future.
With Ke'Bryan Hayes locking down the hot corner, the Reds have clearly defined their path to the postseason: elite defense, timely hitting, and a belief in their current core. The road ahead is challenging, starting with this series against the Braves, but the team is fortified for the fight. And with a farm system overflowing with talent, the excitement in Cincinnati isn't just about this season—it's about a sustainable window of contention for years to come.
