For the Detroit Tigers, the MLB trade deadline will be an important time to strengthen the team. With great players all across the roster, there are only a few areas that could use some improvement. One such position is the team’s third baseman.
With a need at third base, the Tigers looking for one isn’t that surprising. According to Francys Romero of Beisbol FR, the Tigers are one of a few teams expected to show interest in Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes.
Several teams are closely monitoring 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes as a trade piece, according to industry sources.
Hayes is one of the players most likely to be traded, with the Tigers, Yankees, and Cubs among the potential suitors.
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) June 28, 2025
Another huge facet of Romero’s report is that Hayes, the $70 million Gold Glove third baseman, is “one of the players most likely to be traded.” Not only that, but there are several teams closely monitoring Hayes as a trade piece.
With this report, and the Pirates rumored to be sellers once again at the MLB trade deadline, a Hayes to Detroit trade could be on the table. The 28-year-old has been in the Major Leagues for six seasons, and while he’s a great defender, he hasn’t been a good hitter.
In 2025, Hayes is batting .236 with a .290 on-base percentage and a .290 slugging percentage. His .579 OPS is well below average, yet it isn’t his worst offensive season. Just a year ago in 2024, Hayes had a slash line of .233/.283/.290, good for a .573 OPS.
Over the last two seasons, Hayes has had an OPS+ of 61 and 62 in 2024 and 2025, respectively. While he’s been struggling at the plate, he’s still an elite defender. According to Baseball Savant, Hayes is a 97th percentile defender and has the best range in all of baseball.
While Detroit could benefit from a great defender at third base, a large reason why they’d be targeting the position is for an offensive upgrade. So, while they’re expected to have an interest in Hayes, it might not be the best fit.
But, in a scenario where Hayes does land in Detroit, the Tigers, at worst, would be getting one of the best defenders in baseball at the hot corner. And if Hayes could rekindle his rookie-season magic offensively, then the Tigers would have one of the game’s best third basemen on their roster for a World Series push.
