Reds' Hayes Aims to Boost Offensive Impact

Two-time Gold Glove winner looks to improve at the plate after trade from Pirates

Mar. 22, 2026 at 2:49pm

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Reds third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes is known for his elite defense, having won two Gold Glove Awards. However, he's looking to improve his offensive production after struggling at the plate in recent seasons. Hayes was acquired by the Reds at the trade deadline last year and is working on adjustments to his swing to generate more power and lift the ball more. The Reds are counting on Hayes to provide more offense to complement his standout defense as they look to contend in 2026.

Why it matters

The Reds are hoping Hayes can become a more well-rounded player and provide more impact with his bat to go along with his defensive prowess. Improving his offensive numbers could be a key factor in the Reds' success this season as they look to build a contending team around their new-look roster.

The details

Hayes has struggled offensively since making his MLB debut in 2020, posting a .596 OPS in 152 games last season, the second-lowest mark among qualified hitters. However, he did produce well in the shortened 2020 season, with a 1.124 OPS and five home runs in 24 games. The 29-year-old is working on improving his timing and getting his contact point farther out front to generate more lift and put the ball in the air. Reds manager Terry Francona believes Hayes can be more aggressive early in counts to drive the ball more.

  • Hayes was acquired by the Reds at the 2025 trade deadline.
  • Hayes won his second National League Gold Glove Award in 2025.

The players

Ke'Bryan Hayes

Reds third baseman who is known for his elite defense, having won two Gold Glove Awards, but is looking to improve his offensive production.

Terry Francona

Reds manager who believes Hayes can be more aggressive at the plate to drive the ball more.

Kyle Nicolas

Reds reliever who played with Hayes in Pittsburgh and is excited to have him behind him again, saying "He makes every play."

Eugenio Suárez

Free agent signed by the Reds who is expected to get the bulk of his at-bats as the designated hitter while also getting time at first and third base.

Sal Stewart

Rookie who the Reds are banking on to provide offensive production in his first full season.

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What they’re saying

“Just wind him up, let him go play and hope they hit it to him. He plays the [crap] out of third base. It's fun to watch. It's not luck.”

— Terry Francona, Reds manager

“I'm excited to have him behind me again. He makes every play.”

— Kyle Nicolas, Reds reliever

“Coming up, I always hit. Since I've been in the big leagues, I haven't been fully healthy since when I debuted in 2020. Whenever I was healthy, I hit.”

— Ke'Bryan Hayes

What’s next

The Reds are hoping Hayes' work on his swing during the offseason and spring training will translate to improved offensive production during the 2026 season as they look to contend in the NL Central.

The takeaway

Ke'Bryan Hayes is one of the best defensive third basemen in baseball, but the Reds are counting on him to provide more impact with his bat to complement his elite glove work. If Hayes can find the offensive consistency he showed earlier in his career, it could be a significant boost for the Reds as they aim to build a contending team around their new-look roster.