The Cincinnati Reds just wrapped up a season where they missed the playoffs, and while we saw some flashes of brilliance from Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart, let’s be honest, one thing stood out way more: the absolute disaster at third base. It’s a problem so huge that Kerry Miller from Bleacher Report is calling it the Reds’ “biggest offseason hole” to fill, and after watching the 2026 season, you can totally see why.
Ke’Bryan Hayes’ 2026 Season Was an Absolute Trainwreck
Look, it’s tough to sugarcoat this, but Ke’Bryan Hayes was a total letdown at the hot corner. This guy came over in a trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers in the middle of the 2025 season, and before that, he was a two-time Gold Glove third baseman with the Pirates. He was supposed to be a defensive anchor, right? Well, that didn’t happen. In 146 games with the Reds, Hayes has only been worth -0.4 bWAR. And his 2026 season? Yikes, it was something else.
In just 94 games this past season, Hayes posted a horrific -0.7 bWAR. We’re talking a .141 batting average, a .419 OPS, and a measly 17 OPS+. Those aren’t just bad offensive numbers, folks; Miller says Hayes had “one of the worst offensive seasons in MLB history.” And to top it off, his defense wasn’t even close to what it used to be. When your supposed Gold Glover is putting up numbers like that, both at the plate and in the field, you know you’re in deep trouble.
A $29 Million Problem With No Easy Fix
So, they need a replacement, no doubt. But here’s where it gets brutal: the Reds still owe Hayes $29 million over the next four seasons! Seriously, what a mess. Any team would want to move on from a player with those kinds of numbers, but for Cincinnati, it’s not that simple. Trying to trade Hayes would likely cost them a ton, probably forcing them to eat a huge chunk of his contract just to get any other team remotely interested.
Miller perfectly summed it up: third base is the “biggest conundrum of all.” This isn’t just about needing third base help; it’s about a $29 million problem with no good solution on the horizon. That trade was a huge mistake, plain and simple, and it’s backed the Reds into a corner. They desperately need a new starter, but they’re stuck with Hayes and his massive contract.
As the Reds head into the offseason, it’s not just about finding a new third baseman; it’s about figuring out how to untangle themselves from this $29 million mess. What a total headache for the front office, huh? You gotta wonder what they’re gonna pull to fix this before next season kicks off.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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