Report: Cubs Interested in Ke’Bryan Hayes
With Matt Shaw‘s recent struggles, rumors have started to circulate that the Cubs could trade for a third baseman.
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
Francys Romero reported on Saturday that the Cubs are among teams interested in Ke’Bryan Hayes, adding the Tigers and Yankees as other possible suitors. Shaw’s offense since returning to Chicago has been less than ideal, but acquiring Hayes would be, statistically, a lateral move.
Hayes’ OPS is 35 points lower than Shaw’s, though his defense is significantly better. He has been the best third baseman in baseball by a wide margin, with an outstanding 12 outs above average. Shaw has been quite impressive defensively, but there’s no debate that Hayes is the better fielder.
While a trade for the Pirates’ third baseman would upgrade the defense, taking a downgrade at the plate makes no sense for this Cubs team. In addition to the offensive step back, acquiring Hayes would also require giving up valuable prospect capital. Wasting these prospects on Hayes instead of a starting pitcher (or two) doesn’t fit with the Cubs’ current needs.
Starting pitching remains the top priority for Jed Hoyer as the trade deadline creeps closer, with several options available. If third base is truly considered a viable position that needs upgrading, it should be near the bottom of the priority list.
