Introduction to Ke’Bryan Hayes
Ke’Bryan Hayes is one of the brightest defensive stars in Major League Baseball (MLB) and a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Pirates franchise. Known for his slick glove at third base, solid bat, and elite athleticism, Hayes has quickly established himself as a key piece of Pittsburgh’s rebuilding efforts. This article dives into every aspect of his professional journey—his contract details, statistical profile from Fangraphs and Baseball Savant, and the most recent news surrounding the promising young infielder.
Ke’Bryan Hayes’ Background and Rise to MLB
Born on January 28, 1997, in Tomball, Texas, Ke’Bryan Hayes is the son of former MLB player Charlie Hayes, who had a 14-year big league career. Growing up around the sport, Ke’Bryan inherited not only his father’s love for baseball but also the defensive instincts that would shape his professional career.
Hayes was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first round (32nd overall) of the 2015 MLB Draft directly out of Concordia Lutheran High School in Texas. He steadily climbed through the minor league ranks, showcasing elite defense and promising offensive tools before making his MLB debut on September 1, 2020.
Ke’Bryan Hayes Contract: A Major Investment by the Pirates
In April 2022, Hayes made headlines by signing an 8-year, $70 million contract extension with the Pirates—the largest contract in franchise history at that time. The deal includes a club option for a ninth year, potentially bringing the total value to $80 million. This was a clear indication that Pittsburgh viewed Hayes as a foundational player.
Contract Breakdown
- Length: 8 years (2022–2029)
- Guaranteed Money: $70 million
- Club Option: 2030 season, worth $12 million
- Annual Salary Averages: Begins around $5-6 million in early years, ramps up to $10 million+ in later years
This contract is viewed as team-friendly if Hayes continues developing his bat. Given his Gold Glove-caliber defense, the Pirates locked down a premium third baseman at a value that could be a bargain in the evolving MLB market.
Ke’Bryan Hayes Fangraphs Profile: Advanced Metrics at a Glance
Fangraphs provides a deeper statistical view of Hayes’ value. As of the 2024 season, Hayes’ Fangraphs WAR (Wins Above Replacement) stands out as one of the most impactful metrics.
Key Fangraphs Stats (2020–2024):
| Year | Games | AVG | OBP | SLG | wRC+ | fWAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 24 | .376 | .442 | .682 | 195 | 1.6 |
| 2021 | 96 | .257 | .316 | .373 | 86 | 2.4 |
| 2022 | 136 | .244 | .314 | .345 | 88 | 3.0 |
| 2023 | 124 | .271 | .320 | .430 | 103 | 3.5 |
| 2024 | 98* | .283 | .336 | .450 | 112 | 4.0* |
*Stats as of July 2024
Strengths According to Fangraphs:
- Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR) consistently elite
- Improved offensive production in 2023 and 2024
- Above-average base running metrics
Fangraphs shows that even when his offensive numbers dipped early on, Hayes’ total contribution remained high thanks to elite defense and solid baserunning.
Baseball Savant: A Deep Dive into Ke’Bryan Hayes’ Skills
Baseball Savant gives a statcast-powered analysis of Hayes’ performance, breaking down batted ball data, sprint speed, and defensive ability.
Batting Metrics (2024 Season)
- Average Exit Velocity: 89.9 MPH (MLB avg ~88.3 MPH)
- Hard Hit %: 41.7%
- Barrel %: 6.3%
- Expected BA (xBA): .277
- Expected SLG (xSLG): .465
- Chase Rate: 22.4% (better than MLB avg)
Hayes has improved his plate discipline and barrel control in 2024. His rising xSLG indicates more gap power and consistent contact. He’s no longer just a glove-first player—his offensive upside is starting to materialize.
Defensive Metrics
- Outs Above Average (OAA): +12 (2024)
- Arm Strength: 91.2 MPH
- Fielding Position: 3B
- Sprint Speed: 28.6 ft/sec (Top 15% of MLB)
Hayes ranks in the top tier of defensive third basemen, competing with elite defenders like Nolan Arenado and Matt Chapman. His ability to charge slow rollers and make off-balance throws is unmatched.
Ke’Bryan Hayes Stats Summary (Traditional and Advanced)
Hayes’ career to date has shown gradual offensive improvement while maintaining elite fielding. His 2024 season is on pace to be his best yet, with projections indicating a career-high in home runs and OPS.
Career Traditional Stats (as of July 2024):
- Games Played: 478
- Batting Average: .266
- Home Runs: 39
- RBIs: 175
- Stolen Bases: 54
- OBP/SLG/OPS: .325 / .410 / .735
While not a traditional power hitter, Hayes contributes well-rounded offensive value, especially when paired with his defense. His defensive WAR routinely places him among the league’s best third basemen.
Recent News on Ke’Bryan Hayes (2024–2025)
1. 2024 Injury Comeback
Hayes missed several games early in the 2024 season due to a minor back strain, but he returned in May and hasn’t looked back. Since returning, he’s slashed .292/.345/.471, indicating a return to peak form.
2. Gold Glove Buzz
There’s heavy speculation that Hayes will win the 2024 NL Gold Glove at third base. His OAA and DRS lead the league at the position, and many analysts believe it’s long overdue after being a finalist in 2022 and 2023.
3. Pirates’ Young Core
With Hayes signed long-term, the Pirates are now building around him, Oneil Cruz, and Paul Skenes. The trio represents Pittsburgh’s youth movement, and many believe they are playoff contenders in 2025.
4. All-Star Consideration
Though he didn’t make the final All-Star roster in 2024, Hayes was on the shortlist. If his bat continues to rise, he could become a multi-time All-Star in coming seasons.
How Hayes Compares to Other 3B in MLB
Ke’Bryan Hayes is part of a new wave of third basemen who bring elite athleticism, speed, and glove work to the position.
Comparison with Peers (2024 WAR leaders among 3B):
- José Ramírez: 5.1 WAR
- Austin Riley: 4.4 WAR
- Ke’Bryan Hayes: 4.0 WAR
- Nolan Arenado: 3.7 WAR
Despite not being a household name yet, Hayes is clearly trending upward and closing the gap on established stars.
Future Outlook for Ke’Bryan Hayes
Ke’Bryan Hayes is just entering his prime years, and the Pirates have wisely invested in him early. With his defensive excellence already established, the focus now shifts to how far his bat can develop.
Projected Milestones by 2027:
- Career WAR over 20
- Multiple Gold Gloves
- At least one All-Star appearance
- Career batting average near .275
- Improved power numbers (15+ HR annually)
With a strong work ethic, great baseball pedigree, and solid team foundation, Ke’Bryan Hayes is on the verge of stardom.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is Ke’Bryan Hayes related to Charlie Hayes?
Yes, Ke’Bryan is the son of former MLB infielder Charlie Hayes.
Q2: What is Ke’Bryan Hayes’ contract worth?
His 8-year contract is worth $70 million, with a 9th-year option that can bring the total to $80 million.
Q3: How good is Ke’Bryan Hayes defensively?
He’s considered one of the top 3 defensive third basemen in MLB, with elite metrics in OAA, DRS, and UZR.
Q4: What are Hayes’ strengths according to Baseball Savant?
His defensive range, arm strength, sprint speed, and improved plate discipline all stand out.
Q5: Will Ke’Bryan Hayes be an All-Star?
If his offensive numbers continue to climb, it’s very likely Hayes will become an All-Star in the near future.
Conclusion
Ke’Bryan Hayes is more than just a defensive wizard—he’s a well-rounded player on the rise. His contract reflects the Pirates’ commitment, while stats from Fangraphs and Baseball Savant show his elite tools and growing offensive profile. With his best baseball ahead, Hayes is poised to become one of the faces of the franchise in Pittsburgh for years to come.
For fans, fantasy owners, and baseball analysts alike, Hayes is a player to watch, follow, and respect—a true cornerstone talent in today’s MLB.
