PITTSBURGH — When the Pittsburgh Pirates signed Ke’Bryan Hayes to a lengthy contract extension in the spring of 2022, both sides believed Hayes would be a vital part of a franchise-wide turnaround.

Three years later, the last-place Pirates are still running in place, and Hayes is moving on.

Pittsburgh traded the Gold Glove-winning third baseman to NL Central rival Cincinnati on Wednesday for veteran reliever Taylor Rogers, shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura and cash.

The swap gives the Reds an elite defender at the hot corner with a manageable contract. Hayes will make $7 million in 2026 and 2027 and $8 million in 2028 and 2029, with a club option of $12 million for 2030.

“He might be the best defender in baseball. If not, he’s right there,” Cincinnati manager Terry Francona said shortly

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