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Yankees may have paved the way for a Pirates trade with recent surprising DFA

The pieces are coming together...
ByBaron Dionis|
Jun 8, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees second baseman DJ LeMahieu (26) reacts during the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Jun 8, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees second baseman DJ LeMahieu (26) reacts during the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images | John Jones-Imagn Images

The Ke'Bryan Hayes rumor mill has been surprisingly active ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline. Three reported teams have shown interest in the Gold Glove third baseman, despite his offensive woes. The Yankees have reportedly been in his market, too, as one of their main goals at the deadline is to acquire a primary third baseman. New York may have just paved the way for a deal to happen by DFA'ing DJ LeMahieu just a day after benching him at second base.

LeMahieu has played second base for New York this season, but he's been unable to handle third base, deeming his own body incapable of the feat. Jazz Chisholm Jr. has instead had to play third base instead of his natural position, and that has also been a problem for the Yankees. Fortunately for them, Chisholm is back at second base, but third base still remains a mystery long-term.

While the position remains a hole for New York, as Chisholm is now entrenched at second, their interest in Hayes could get more serious moving forward. The Yankees have chosen to pay the $22 million LeMahieu is owed this year and next rather than rostering him. Clearly, the urgency is there for a big move.

Yankees' DFA of DJ LeMahieu makes a Pirates' trade of Ke'Bryan Hayes more realistic.

Hayes recently found a groove on offense and went on a 12-game hit streak and drove in 10 runs over that stretch. Unfortunately, though, he has cooled off, with just one hit in his last four games. Regardless, the main tool that is attracting other organizations is his glove. He is the game's best defensive third baseman and it is not close at all.

The Pirates are seeking any ways to improve their offense at the trade deadline, and listening on Hayes is one of them. The Yankees may not have to give up much, given his OPS below .600 the last two seasons, but the Pirates should attempt to take whatever they can get.

Now that LeMahieu is on his way out of New York, the door is wide open for a trade between the two teams. The sacrifice of elite defense at third baseman is definitely worth it to go after at least an average bat at the hot corner. Anything to improve the Pirates' historically bad offense.

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