Ex-Pirate Ke’Bryan Hayes Returns to PNC Park After Cincinnati Trade

Ke'Bryan Hayes, who spent the first six years of his MLB career exclusively with the Pittsburgh Pirates, was traded to the Cincinnati Reds on July 30, 2025. Hayes had signed a $70 million, eight-year contract with the Pirates in 2022, expressing his desire to stay in Pittsburgh long term, but acknowledged that baseball is ultimately a business. Upon returning to PNC Park with the Reds for a four-game series, Hayes received a standing ovation from the Pirates fans and reflected on his time in Pittsburgh, highlighting both the challenges and the strong defensive reputation he built, including winning the 2023 National League Gold Glove. While with the Pirates, Hayes compiled a .254 batting average, 40 home runs, and led baseball with 92 defensive runs saved since the start of his career. Transitioning to Cincinnati, he joined a playoff-contending team, contrasting with the Pirates’ last-place standing, and expressed gratitude for the warm welcome from his new teammates. Despite a slow start at the plate with the Reds, Hayes remains focused on contributing to his new team’s success.