On Wednesday, the Cincinnati Reds made their biggest trade deadline move since 2019, acquiring Ke’Bryan Hayes from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Hayes brings elite defense at third base and is expected to pair with Elly De La Cruz on the infield for years to come.
Later that night, the Reds also bolstered their starting rotation by trading for Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Zack Littell. With Littell joining the rotation, Nick Martinez is expected to shift to a bullpen role.
Hayes’ strong potential was a key reason behind the deal, but his team-friendly, long-term contract likely played a major role in Cincinnati’s decision. Meanwhile, Littell is considered a short-term addition, as he’s owed the remainder of his \$5.72 million salary and will become a free agent at season’s end.
Reds trades for Ke’Bryan Hayes and Zack Littell gives Cincy a new payroll reality
The Reds must always be mindful of their payroll, ensuring that any money spent is done so wisely. Typically, acquiring a player like Ke’Bryan Hayes — who’s under contract through at least 2029 — would be a risky move for Cincinnati. However, a closer examination shows that this deal may actually be a smart financial move by the front office.
Heading into the 2025 season, the Reds were already spending more on payroll than in 2024, raising concerns that they wouldn’t be able to add significant pieces until the offseason, once Nick Martinez’s \$21 million salary came off the books.
Hayes, though, presented a rare opportunity: a chance to acquire a high-upside player at a relatively low cost, potentially leading to long-term savings — assuming he stays healthy and remains at third base for the next several years.
With both Hayes and pitcher Zack Littell now on the roster, Spotrac projects the Reds’ 2025 adjusted payroll at just over \$118 million — a number that could still shift if additional moves are made before the trade deadline.
For this season, the Reds are only on the hook for about \$2.2 million of Hayes’ salary and just over \$1.8 million for Littell. The bigger win comes from Hayes’ future salary: \$7 million annually in 2026 and 2027, then \$8 million in 2028 and 2029, with a \$12 million club option for 2030.
Finding a quality third baseman for that price on the open market would be nearly impossible, and even developing one internally could be tricky when arbitration costs are factored in.
Hayes brings elite defense and offensive potential, and his long-term deal gives the Reds both stability and financial clarity — allowing them to focus on other roster needs. Even if Hayes is merely average at the plate over the next few seasons, avoiding the inflated cost of free agents at his position could make this a big win for Cincinnati.
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