Reds acquire Ke'Bryan Hayes from the Pirates in a July 2025 blockbuster! See how the trade and Spencer Steer's heroics vs. the Dodgers fuel Cincy's playoff push.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when you thought the vibes couldn't get any higher after a thrilling late-night win, General Manager Brad Meador dropped a bombshell. The Cincinnati Reds have officially acquired elite defensive third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes from the division-rival Pittsburgh Pirates. The move, coming just hours before the trade deadline, sends a clear message to the rest of the National League: Cincinnati is serious about making a deep playoff run.
The Reds just traded for a Gold Glove-winning third baseman from a division rival. This isn't a drill. This is a playoff push.
The deal sends shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura and reliever Taylor Rogers to Pittsburgh in exchange for Hayes, a player renowned for his incredible glove at the hot corner. While his bat has been quiet this year (.236 BA, .569 OPS), the defensive upgrade is monumental. This move solidifies the infield defense and provides a clear path for Noelvi Marte to transition to the outfield, adding athleticism across the diamond. Trading within the NL Central is rare, making this move all the more significant and signaling the Reds' aggressive, win-now approach.
The trade news came on the heels of a massive 5-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers that finished after midnight. With the game knotted at 2-2 in the eighth, Spencer Steer delivered the knockout blow: a two-run triple that sent Great American Ball Park into a frenzy. Contributions came from everywhere, with Elly De La Cruz and Will Benson also driving in runs. The bullpen was lights out, shutting down the potent Dodgers lineup for five straight innings to secure the win and improve the Reds' record to 57-52.
According to GM Brad Meador, the front office isn't necessarily done dealing. He confirmed the team is still actively exploring the market for bullpen help and a potential middle-of-the-order bat. While the team won't 'empty the farm system,' they are clearly willing to be aggressive. The trade of Taylor Rogers opens a spot in the bullpen, and veterans on expiring deals like Nick Martinez, Emilio Pagán, and Austin Hays could still be in play as the final hours of the deadline tick away.
The roster saw other movement today as power-hitting prospect Rece Hinds was called up from Triple-A to provide outfield depth while TJ Friedl is on paternity leave. Speaking of Triple-A, ace Hunter Greene made a key rehab start for Louisville. He struck out six in 2.1 innings, and while he allowed a few runs, the key is that he's one step closer to rejoining the big-league rotation for the stretch run.
What a day. A new Gold Glover, a huge win, and the promise of more to come. The Reds have pushed their chips in. Now, all eyes turn to tonight's series opener against the Atlanta Braves, a true test of this team's mettle. With the trade deadline looming and a new-look roster taking the field, the rest of this season just became must-see TV.
