Pirates’ $106M All-Star Rejects Trade to Yankees, ‘Would Not Approve,’ per Report
PITTSBURGH, July 7, 2025 — A surprising twist in trade season drama: the Pittsburgh Pirates’ $106 million All-Star lineup stalwart has reportedly vetoed a potential trade to the New York Yankees, according to multiple league sources.
What Happened
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With the MLB trade deadline approaching, the New York Yankees were exploring multiple options, including a blockbuster move for the Pirates’ top third baseman—a defensive standout backed by a robust offensive profile
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However, according to Newsweek, the Pirates’ All-Star player, who reportedly signed for around $106 million, “would not approve” a deal sending him to the Bronx
⚾ Why the Player Declined
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The Yankees have made numerous calls about acquiring standout infield talent, including interest in Pirates’ Ke’Bryan Hayes But Hayes—and this other All-Star—appear to have no-trade clauses in their contracts, granting them final say.
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The unnamed $106M player leveraged this clause to decline approval, effectively shutting down the proposed Yankees move.
🏟️ Implications for Both Clubs
| Team | Impact |
|---|---|
| Pirates | Retained a key veteran and infield anchor heading into a rebuilding phase. Continues to hold leverage for any future negotiations. |
| Yankees | Face significant roster pressure. With their division lead slipping, they’re pursuing upgrades at third and second base but have yet to finalize a deal This refusal complicates their deadline strategy. | |
🧩 Broader Context
The Yankees’ open search for infield help includes multiple trade targets—Colorado’s Ryan McMahon, Arizona’s Eugenio Suárez, and Pittsburgh’s Ke’Bryan Hayes among them
However, player consent requirements are dictating the market: All-Stars with no-trade protection are limiting trade feasibility.
🔄 What’s Next
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New York’s front office must pivot quickly, with alternative third base solutions being prioritized if this move is dead.
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For the Pirates, they retain their veteran centerpiece. They’ll likely turn their focus toward pitching assets or lower-tier position players in future deals—but reports indicate they’re in no rush to trade their key performers.
Bottom line: A poised power move by the Pirates might be derailed by one player’s decision. As trade talks continue to swirl, the Yankees must now shift gears in their infield quest—and quickly.
