The New York Yankees are searching for answers at third base.

As things stand now, the third base job is between D.J. LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera and Jazz Chisholm. It would likely be a platoon split three ways as none of them are capable of playing the hot corner every day.

While the Yankees are linked to Alex Bregman, it’s uncertain whether Bregman will sign with them. Could a Gold Glove third baseman from the National League Central be their answer?

Pittsburgh Pirates, Third Baseman, Ke'Bryan Hayes CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 19: Ke’Bryan Hayes #13 of the Pittsburgh Pirates fields a ground ball against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on September 19, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Ke’Bryan Hayes had a strong start to his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates. When he joined the team in the shortened 2020 season, he came out hitting extremely well. However, he hit just .233 with four home runs and 25 RBI in another injury-riddled season.

There are very few players in Major League Baseball who are better defensively than Hayes. His question mark has always been his bat, and he has since added one about his health.

Hayes is entering the fourth year of his eight-year deal with a team option in 2030. With at least four years of control, it would be a hefty price tag to acquire him.

Here is what a potential trade could look like:

New York Yankees Acquire: 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes
Pittsburgh Pirates Acquire: OF Jasson Domínguez (Yankees No. 1 prospect), 3B Oswaldo Cabrera, RHP Zach Messinger (Yankees No. 18 prospect)

Cabrera’s inclusion in the deal provides the Pirates with a potential replacement for Hayes who could compete with Jared Triolo or Isaiah Kiner-Falefa. Domínguez would be the big piece of the trade as the Yankees have a logjam in the outfield. It’s a position of need for the Pirates and a chance for him to gain a fresh start. Messinger would be a supplementary piece to push the deal over the top.