By Paul Semendinger
December 18, 2024
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The Yankees are getting closer and closer to being done. Cody Bellinger helps a lot in that regard.
But they still need a third baseman...
Judging by the title of this article you already know where I'm going with this.
If I were the Yankees, I'd consider seeing if Ke'Bryan Hayes, of the Pittsburgh Pirates, is available in a trade . Just two years ago, Hayes was a 4.0 win player. The year before, he earned 4.4 WAR. A lot of people are down on Hayes. He just might be the perfect "buy-low" candidate.
Hayes isn't much of a hitter, but he's a very good defensive third baseman. Getting Hayes would allow the Yankees to move Jazz Chisholm to second base. That infield would look really good defensively.
Hayes is signed through 2030, but in 2025 (and '26 and '27), he's slated to earn only $7,000,000 per season. I am the guy who wants the Yankees to sign every big free agent, but I realize that the Yankees do have a budget. Hayes would be a lot cheaper than most other third base options out there.
I don't think it would take a lot to get Hayes. Could Oswald Peraza get it done? Maybe Peraza and one other prospect... I'm not one to propose trades because the trades we all propose (almost) never become a reality. My point here is that I don't think Hayes would command Spencer Jones, for example.
Hayes would also be a legacy. His dad, Charlie Hayes, was a Yankee (twice). Charlie Hayes caught the last out of the 1996 World Series.
Ke'Bryan Hayes wouldn't be a spashy move, but I think he'd be a solid player for the Yankees. 2025 would be his age-28 season, a prime year. For the Pirates though, he signed through age-33 and it's possible the Pirates would like to get out of that deal.
To me, Hayes seems like a solid choice. His value is down after a bad year, he was a 4.0+ WAR player just a season before last (and the season before that too). He plays good defense. He just might bounce back.
Hayes just might be the player the Yankees should get...
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I am falling into the Arenado camp.
rumors are now saying StL is willing to pay half of Arenado's contract and that LAD is trying to make a deal. hopefully it is obvious that the idea of paying half the contract is to get a better prospect in return
if there is any truth here and LAD are interested, perhaps i am not the only one who believes there are still some great years remaining for Mr Arenado
this is a six time platinum glove winner. were people crying that Beltre had become a poor defender at age 33? Schmidt? Robinson? the answer is no they were definitely NOT
pitching and defense alone is a tough route to a championship. i would NEVER advocate for that!!!
but…
Hard pass.. Look at Hayes' Statcast profile:
He doesn't strike out much but he doesn't actually do anything good at the plate. He's a pure glove man with a weak throwing arm and not much foot speed.
Maybe the Yanks can deal Stroman and cash for Hayes, reminiscent of Kenny Rogers and cash for Scott Brosius.
Not a bad idea to platoon those two. Depends on what it would take to get Hayes.