Reds seeing encouraging shift from Ke’Bryan Hayes when they need it most

When the Cincinnati Reds traded for Ke’Bryan Hayes last season, they weren’t hoping for much of an offensive boost. The third baseman who upended Nolan Arenado’s decade-long streak of Gold Gloves provides much of his value through defense.

His abysmal start to 2026, however, proved that impeccable defense can’t cover all flaws. But a recent hot streak could indicate that his fortunes are changing for the better. Hayes began the year by collecting a mere three hits, all singles, through his first 20 games. Over his past six games, he’s gone 6-for-21 with a double, triple, and home run. That equates to a .286/.348/.571 slash line.

In part, this turnaround is Hayes’ luck finally turning in his favor. He has made strong contact all season long and leads the majors in discrepancy between his expected and actual wOBA, batting average, and slugging. The hot streak is a testament to consistency and doggedness. Now it’s finally Hayes’ time to shine.

The Reds don't need Ke'Bryan Hayes to be a slugger

No one should be expecting a complete 180 from Hayes. Just because his expected slugging is .453 doesn’t mean that he’s suddenly going to see a jump of more than 100 points in his slugging percentage.

Nevertheless, a stronger season at the plate is within the realm of possibility for the light-hitting Hayes. He’s just three years removed from a 15-home run campaign in which he led the Pittsburgh Pirates’ regulars with a .271 average.

Maybe Hayes has finally shaken the chronic back issue that marred his 2024 season. Maybe he's finally found an approach at the plate that works for him, cutting his strikeout rate by more than 6%. Maybe he finds Cincinnati to be more hospitable than Pittsburgh, as do many right-handed batters.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter why Hayes has finally turned the corner on his season. With Eugenio Suarez on the IL, the Reds will take offense wherever they can get it. Phenomenal defense and an adequate bat will more than make up for the prospect the Reds lost in last season’s trade. For now, at least, Hayes is helping the Reds maintain their position atop the NL Central.

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