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The Chicago are linked to Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes at the trade deadline. Will the Cubs look to improve their roster at the trade deadline
The Chicago Cubs have been one of the most surprising teams through the first half of the MLB season. After acquiring superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker in the offseason, the Cubs sit comfortably at the top of the NL Central and are viewed as serious World Series contenders in the National League.
However, a glaring weakness in their lineup has been at the hot corner. Through the opening months, the Cubs have had several players cover third base but have yet to find a permanent option.
With the trade deadline quickly approaching, the Cubs have already been linked to some of the top available names, including a former Gold Glover.
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Chicago Cubs Linked to Gold Glove Third Baseman
Top prospect Matt Shaw was able to break camp with the major league roster and opened the season as the clear starting third baseman. However, he was quickly optioned to Triple-A after posting a .172/.294/.241 line through his first 18 games. While he went back to the minor leagues to find his swing, a mix of Vidal Brujan, Jon Berti, and Justin Turner saw most of the opportunities, but neither truly stood out.
However, over his first 20 games since returning to the majors, Shaw appeared to have taken the next step. He posted a stellar .311/.346/.446 line with seven doubles. Unfortunately, the former Maryland product would hit another skid, holding a mere .146 AVG over his next 15 games.
This has prompted the Cubs to look on the trade block for a replacement. According to Francys Romero, the Cubs are keeping a close eye on Pittsburgh third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes.
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
Hayes was selected with the 32nd pick in the 2015 MLB Draft by the Pirates. As a rookie, he finished sixth in NL ROY voting and held an impressive .376/.442/.682 line. While his bat has continued to decline, he has remained an elite defender. In 2021, he was awarded his first Gold Glove. During the 2022 and 2023 seasons, he posted a combined 8.4 WAR.
While Hayes would not provide the impact bat the Cubs are looking for, he would round out an elite infield from a defensive perspective, led by Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner.
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