Third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes stormed onto the scene in 2020, showing his abilities on defense and a solid bat.
But over the past few seasons, a chronic back issue has kept him off the field over several stints and when he was in the lineup was hitting only .233 with an OPS of .573. He has four home runs and 25 RBI.
Last season, Hayes went on the injured list in mid-August and didn’t return the rest of the season with more back issues.
While he has a plan for this season, his chronic back issues could pop back up at any time.
With that said, Newsweek sports writer Drew VonScio recently proposed a deal that would send Hayes to the New York Yankees for third baseman Oswaldo Cabrera and two prospects.
The Yankees are looking for a more consistent presence at third, with a platoon split three ways the most likely scenario right now.
Hayes is under team control through 2030, with a club option that year.
He’ll make $7 million over the next three years and $8 million in 2028 and 29.
With that very affordable price and years of control, Hayes is a valuable trade piece.
VonScio proposes the Yankees would need to give up their top prospect, outfielder Jasson Dominguez and pitcher Zach Messinger (18th prospect).
While Hayes is a Gold Glover at third base. Infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa is also a Gold Glove-winner and Jared Triolo also has a solid glove.
Who says no?