Deadline deals for Ke'Bryan Hayes, Zack Littell gives Reds new payroll reality

On Wednesday, the Cincinnati Reds pushed over their biggest trade deadline domino since 2019 and struck a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates for Ke'Bryan Hayes. In Hayes, the Reds are getting a stellar defensive third baseman to play alongside the Elly De La Cruz for the next several seasons.

The Reds also added another arm to the rotation late on Wednesday night with the addition of Tampa Bay Rays starter Zack Littell. It's expected that Nick Martinez will now move to the bullpen, and Littell will take his spot int he Reds starting rotation.

While Hayes' significant upside was undoubtedly one of the reasons the Reds pulled the trigger, another driving factor that may have influenced Cincinnati's decision was his long-term, and relatively inexpensive contract. Littell, who's due the remainder of his $5.72 million salary, is a rental and will be free agent after the season.

Reds trades for Ke'Bryan Hayes and Zack Littell gives Cincy a new payroll reality

The Reds have to remain constantly vigilant when it comes to managing their payroll commitments, and whatever money they do spend, needs to be spent wisely. A player like Hayes — who's under contract through at least 2029 — would normally represent a lot of risk for Cincinnati. But a closer look at the details suggests that this deal was a rather savvy financial investment on the part of the Reds front office.

Entering the 2025 season, the Reds payroll was already higher than it was in 2024, and there were some understandable concern that Cincinnati wouldn't be able to add reinforcements to the roster until this coming offseason when Martinez' $21 million salary comes off the books.

Hayes, however, represented a unique opportunity to buy-low on a very talented player and it could actually result in massive payroll savings over time. Assuming, of course, that Hayes can remain healthy and stick at third base for at least a few more years.

With Hayes and Littell now in the fold, Spotrac estimated the Reds' 2025 adjusted payroll at just north of $118 million. Obviously this figure could change as there's a great chance that the Reds make more moves before the trade deadline expires.

Cincinnati is only responsible for roughly $2.2 million of Hayes' salary this season and owe Littell just over $1.8 million. The real benefit for the Reds, however, is that Hayes taking home just $7 million per year from 2026-2027, followed by an $8 million salary in 2028 and 2029. Hayes also has a $12 million club option for the 2030 season.

The Reds would struggle to find any sort of quality third baseman anywhere close to those numbers unless they promoted from within, and even that gets dicey when you factor in arbitration raises.

Hayes is a Gold Glove-caliber defender with offensive upside and is locked up forever, meaning the Reds to have some roster stability and cost certainty while addressing other areas over the next few years. If Hayes is even average at the plate the next three or four seasons, the savings alone from avoiding overpaying in free agency could make this deal a clear win for Cincinnati.

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