Prospect Acquired In Ke’Bryan Hayes Deal Has Intriguing Tools

The Pittsburgh Pirates took their first step toward building for the future on Wednesday when the team traded Gold Glove Award-winning third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for left-handed pitcher Taylor Rogers, shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura and cash.

The Pirates completed their second deal of the day soon after when they traded left-handed pitcher Caleb Ferguson to the Seattle Mariners for right-handed pitching prospect Jeter Martinez.

Hayes, who was selected by the Pirates in the first round of the 2015 draft, was rumored to be on the move for much of this summer, with teams like the New York Yankees reported to have interest if Pittsburgh decided to sell at Thursday’s trade deadline.

While he never quite lived up to the hype that once followed him as a top prospect and a first-round draft pick, Hayes will always be remembered for being an elite defender at the hot corner. But after putting together a solid 2023 season that saw him achieve career bests in batting average (.271), home runs (15) and RBIs (61), Hayes’ production at the plate regressed considerably during the last two seasons.

By trading Hayes, the Pirates were able to acquire Stafura, who was ranked as the 9th-best prospect in the Reds’ minor league system. Selected in the second round of the 2023 draft out of high school, the speedy shortstop has collected 28 stolen bases this season in 33 attempts while playing for Class A Daytona. At the plate, the 20-year-old has batted .262 with 18 doubles, nine triples and four home runs.

In a story written by MLB.com‘s Mark Sheldon in May, he spoke with Reds player development director Jeremy Farrell about Stafura’s continued growth as a professional ballplayer.

“He has only played shortstop thus far,” said Farrell, per Sheldon. “We feel there is enough athleticism and arm strength to play shortstop, second base or third base. He’s at his best when he’s aggressive and he loves to work and play. He has normal development areas for a high school player from cold weather. He’s working on getting to a consistent, strong hitting position at the plate.”

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