Ke’Bryan Hayes Sends Classy Farewell Message To Pirates After Trade

The Pittsburgh Pirates moved one of their longest-tenured players when trading Ke’Bryan Hayes to the Cincinnati Reds.

Pittsburgh traded Hayes for shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura and relief pitcher Taylor Rogers, whom they flipped to the Chicago Cubs for outfielder Ivan Brethowr. Hayes, a 2023 Gold Glove winner, had spent his entire career in Pittsburgh.

Following the move, Hayes posted a message to the Pirates organization and its fans on social media.

“I’d like to first start by saying thank you to the Pittsburgh Pirates for believing in me as a player by drafting and making my dream come true back in 2015,” Hayes wrote on Thursday morning. “I’m also thankful for all the fans who have supported me through the ups and downs. I’m forever grateful for the relationships and memories that were created with all my teammates and staff throughout the years. I have learned a lot about myself on and off the field and will carry these experiences with me moving forward.

“While I am excited about the next chapter with the Cincinnati Reds, I wish the Pittsburgh Pirates nothing but the best and continued success in the future.”

Hayes batted .254/.307/.370 since joining the majors in 2020. He’s struggled offensively after tallying a career-high 15 home runs in 2023, but the former first-round pick consistently delivered elite defense at the hot corner.

Ironically, Hayes redeemed a defensive blunder at the plate during his Reds debut.

The usually sure-handed fielder made an error that allowed the Atlanta Braves to tie Thursday’s game during the sixth inning. Atlanta seemed to put the game out of reach with eight runs in the top of the eighth, but Hayes started an eight-run rally by hitting a three-run homer in the bottom frame.

More MLB: Pirates Manager Has Heartfelt Message For Ke’Bryan Hayes After Shocking Trade With Reds