Tigers could be targeting third baseman as trade deadline competition heats up

Tigers could be targeting third baseman as trade deadline competition heats up originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Tigers are looking for a third baseman—and they’re not alone.

According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Detroit is among the teams expressing interest in Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes. The Cubs and Yankees, both in the thick of postseason races, are also reportedly involved, setting up a possible bidding war with teams that can sell themselves as win-now destinations.

For the Tigers, it’s a complicated fit. Hayes is a defensive standout, one of the best in baseball, and under contract through 2029 with a club option for 2030. He’d bring Gold Glove-level stability to third base and cost certainty for years to come.

But offense is where Detroit needs the help—and that’s where Hayes becomes more of a gamble.

The 27-year-old is hitting .244 with a .594 OPS this season. That’s up slightly from 2024, but still far below average. His bat hasn’t consistently caught up to the promise he showed in 2020, when he debuted with a 1.124 OPS over 24 games. His 2023 season, which included a .762 OPS and 15 homers, remains his best full-year effort.

Still, Hayes is viewed around the league as a potential bounce-back candidate—especially if plugged into a competitive environment with more lineup protection.

But that same logic applies for the Yankees and Cubs. Both teams are chasing postseason spots and could offer a brighter national spotlight. Detroit would have to sell him on a different vision: a chance to be part of a young core that’s already ahead of schedule.

There’s also the possibility that third base options expand. If Boston or Arizona falter, Alex Bregman or Eugenio Suarez could become available. But Hayes is drawing early interest, and Detroit appears to be in the mix.

Whether that’s enough against win-now contenders is another story. The Tigers may be looking for a bat, but so is everyone else. And with Hayes under control through the decade, they’ll have to be aggressive to win this one.

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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.