NEW YORK — The New York Yankees enter the final two weeks before the July 31 trade deadline with a clear mission: address critical roster holes without sacrificing their most promising young talent.
At 53-43 and sitting two games behind Toronto in the AL East, the Yankees face urgent needs at third base and in pitching depth. But the focus has shifted toward alternative trade packages that preserve top prospects while still addressing championship aspirations.
Trade for big names, such as Arizona’s Eugenio Suarez or Miami’s Sandy Alcantara may coerce the Yankees to surrender one of the top prospects. But the Yankees’ approach centers on protecting their highest-value prospects, such as Spencer Jones, George Lombard Jr., Jasson Dominguez, and Cam Schlittler, who are the future Bronx backbones.
Pirates package deal fixes Yankees’ holes without gutting farm
As the 2025 MLB trade deadline looms, the New York Yankees are positioned to strike — not with a blockbuster splash, but with a savvy, calculated package that fills multiple needs. A potential deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates could deliver both Ke’Bryan Hayes and Mitch Keller to the Bronx, without costing the Yankees their most prized prospects.
The Pittsburgh Pirates, at 39-58 and 18.5 games out of first place, have emerged as logical trade partners. Both Hayes and Keller are available, though recent performance differs from earlier expectations.
Ke’Bryan Hayes, 28, is among the top defensive third basemen in baseball. His glove work has consistently ranked at the top of the league, and he’s added solid contact and gap power at the plate, slashing .238/.284/.293 through mid-July. Under contract through 2029 at just $7 million per year, his deal is viewed around the league as team-friendly.
Keller, posting a 3.48 ERA through 119 innings, represents a more appealing target despite his five-year, $77 million extension. The right-hander’s $54.5 million owed through 2028 provides long-term rotation stability, justifying prospect investment. Pirates GM Ben Cherington indicated the team is “wide open for business” on most roster players except Paul Skenes.
The Yankees have a clear to-do list. Third base remains a defensive concern, and the rotation lacks dependable depth. Hayes and Keller represent high-quality solutions at both spots — and they’re controllable beyond 2025. But with Pittsburgh trending toward another rebuild, rival executives expect him to be available.
“They’re open for business,” The Athletic’s Rob Biertempfel reported last week. “Contenders are calling, and the Pirates are listening — especially on Keller.”
Proposed trade details
Here’s the proposal that could get the deal done without including Spencer Jones, Jasson Domínguez, or Lombard Jr.:
Yankees receive:
- 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes
- RHP Mitch Keller
Pirates receive:
- INF Oswald Peraza – elite glove, MLB-ready, age 25
- OF Everson Pereira – power bat, strong arm, blocked in NY
- LHP Brock Selvidge – rising prospect in Double-A
- C/1B Edgleen Perez – slugging catcher with breakout numbers
It’s a four-player return that blends MLB readiness with prospect upside — the exact blend rebuilding teams seek.
Yankees’ side: Smart upgrades without sacrificing the future
Hayes would bring instant stability to the infield. With DJ LeMahieu released and Oswaldo Cabrera out for season, Hayes gives the Yankees a Gold Glove-caliber defender and reliable contact bat for the next several years.
Keller, meanwhile, fills the Yankees’ biggest pitching void — a steady fourth starter to join Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, and Carlos Rodon. His 2025 walk rate (6.2%) is the lowest of his career, and he’s been durable and consistent since 2023.
“You’re getting two controllable, playoff-caliber players without selling your farm,” said YES Network’s Jack Curry. “That’s exactly the kind of deal Brian Cashman prefers.”
The best part for New York? None of the team’s untouchables are included.
Pirates’ side: Cashing in at the right time
From Pittsburgh’s point of view, this deal turns two valuable veterans into four younger, affordable pieces who could help soon.
Peraza is MLB-ready and needs a real opportunity. His elite infield defense and improving bat give him a path to becoming a long-term starter. Pereira has shown raw power and arm strength, but is blocked in a crowded Yankees outfield. He could immediately compete for playing time in Pittsburgh.
Selvidge, a lefty who’s made strides in Double-A Somerset, features strong strikeout numbers and a polished arsenal. Edgleen Perez is a breakout prospect credited with biggest jump in the rankings.
“Peraza is still a starter on 20 other teams,” said MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch earlier this week. “He just hasn’t had a path in New York.”
Why this makes sense now
The Yankees are among the top offenses in the AL, ranking second in OPS and third in runs scored. Their bullpen ranks first in ERA. But third base defense and rotation depth have quietly held them back — and could be exposed come October.
This trade solves both issues. Hayes adds defensive value immediately and long-term. Keller gives them a trusted arm down the stretch and into a postseason run. With a change of scenario, his bat is going to click. He has the Yankees’ bloodline.
And all without touching Spencer Jones, Jasson Dominguez, or their top three pitching prospects.
A strategic trade though not flashy
This isn’t a headline-grabbing Soto-style blockbuster. But it’s the kind of trade that strengthens a roster where it matters — and makes October matchups more favorable.
“It’s the depth deals that win playoff series,” noted SNY’s Andy Martino. “This feels like one of those.”
For the Pirates, moving Keller and Hayes now — while their value is high — allows them to retool with cost-controlled players who can contribute in 2025 and beyond. With the NL Central still in flux, it’s a forward-thinking pivot.
The Yankees don’t need to go nuclear this deadline. They need precision. This Hayes–Keller package offers exactly that — a practical solution that doesn’t cost the core.
If Cashman is serious about October, and Pittsburgh is serious about resetting, this deal makes all the sense in the world.
What do you think?
