The Detroit Tigers have been linked to Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes in multiple trade deadline rumors, and Tigers fans are understandably skeptical.
Trading for Hayes means taking on a hefty contract for an underperforming bat with a lengthy injury history. The 28-year-old, who spent two separate stints on the IL last season due to chronic back issues, is owed $30 million over the next four seasons, plus a $12 million club option for 2030.
MLB insider Bob Nightengale wrote in a Sunday column for USA TODAY that the Tigers were one of three teams that had "checked in" with the Pirates on the Gold Glove third baseman, along with the New York Yankees and the Chicago Cubs.