A's could provide Reds with a Ke'Bryan Hayes escape plan (but don't get your hopes up)

The Cincinnati Reds appear to be stuck with Ke'Bryan Hayes. The Reds front office cited the need to get better defensively at the 2025 trade deadline, but the deal for Hayes has utterly blown up in their face. Now, Cincinnati is saddled with the remaining $23 million on his previous extension with the Pittsburgh Pirates that runs through the 2029 season.

Is there any way for the Reds to get out from the under what's become one of the worst contracts in the league? The Athletics might be able to provide the Reds with an escape hatch, but don't get too excited.

Could the Reds and A's work out a bad contract swap?

A's starter Luis Severino recently picked up his player-option for the 2027 season. He's owed $22 million next season after making just 12 starts in 2026 and posting a 4.16 ERA. Severino's been critical of his time in West Sacramento, and his struggles have been magnified by the outrageous home/ road splits he's seen since 2025.

Last season, Severino's ERA jumped nearly two points when he pitched at home as opposed to on the road. The A's home ballpark has been a veritable bandbox since they left Oakland, and with the team's new stadium in Las Vegas not scheduled to open until 2028, Severino has another year of anguish awaiting him in 2027.

Zack Gelof was the A's primary third baseman last season, but saw time all over the diamond. He started 66 games at the hot corner in 2026, but logged more than 10 appearances at second base, and all three outfield spots. The Athletics might prefer Gelof to take on more of super-utility role in 2027, much in the same way the Reds utilize Spencer Steer.

But the A's also have Max Muncy (not that one) on the roster. The former first-round pick was one of the worst defenders at third base last season, registering -11 defensive runs saved (DRS) and -6 outs above average (OAA), so there's reason to believe that Hayes might not be such a bad fit after all.

But while it's easy to see how Reds fans could convince themselves that taking on Severino's contract might actually rid them of Hayes, it's little more than a pipe dream.

The A's are less than 12 months away from getting rid of Severino's contract altogether. Unless they're looking to free up funds to spend this offseason, the Athletics would be foolish to take on Hayes and his remaining salary that stretches out for three more years.

Sorry, Reds fans. But this one you're going to have to grin and bear for the next few years — or at least until the the front office comes to their senses and designates Hayes for assignment.

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