Tigers Reportedly Inquire About Former Gold Glove Third Baseman As Interest Grows

The Detroit Tigers boasted the best record in all of baseball entering Wednesday, and while they have gotten excellent play from Javier Baez and Zach McKinstry at the position this season, they have reportedly called the Pittsburgh Pirates about the availability of third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes, according to Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Hayes would be a defensive upgrade as he is one of the best defenders at the position in all of baseball.

The Tigers have received good play with their tandem of Baez and McKinstry this season, but both players have played a considerable amount of time at other positions as needed. Hayes would slot in at third base full-time, and despite his below-average bat, he is playing an outstanding third base on the defensive side of the ball.

Hayes is also a player for the future with the Tigers, as McKinstry is a free agent after this season, while Hayes is under contract until 2029. Hayes has shown flashes of being a league-average hitter, and if he is able to stabilize his offensive side, his defense will make him all the more valuable.

Hayes has 11 Defensive Runs Saved along with 13 Outs Above Average, both the best marks at third base and top 10 of all defenders in baseball. Hayes was a Gold Glove winner in 2023, the first to win the National League Gold Glove at third base after Nolan Arenado’s 10-year dominance of the award.

The Tigers are setting up to make a serious run at the World Series, and with the American League Central all but locked up, they are now turning their attention to strengthening their roster as the trade deadline approaches.

The Pirates currently sit in the cellar of the National League Central, and they are preparing to build for the future by selling off some of their expendable pieces this season.

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