Ke’Bryan Hayes, born on January 28, 1997, in Tomball, Texas, has emerged as one of Major League Baseball’s premier defensive third basemen. The son of former MLB player Charlie Hayes, Ke’Bryan has carved out his own path in the big leagues, showcasing incredible range, soft hands, and a powerful arm at the hot corner. While his defensive prowess has garnered him numerous accolades, his journey in MLB has also been marked by a consistent effort to elevate his offensive game and stay healthy.
Early Life and Amateur Career
Ke’Bryan Hayes attended Concordia Lutheran High School in Tomball, Texas, where his talent on the baseball field quickly became apparent. In his senior year of 2015, he boasted an impressive .436 batting average with three home runs, 27 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases. His exceptional skills led him to commit to playing college baseball at the University of Tennessee.
However, Hayes’s college commitment was put on hold when the Pittsburgh Pirates selected him in the first round of the 2015 MLB draft, as the 32nd overall pick. He chose to forgo his college plans and embark on his professional career.
Professional Career: A Steady Rise Through the Minors
Hayes began his professional journey in 2015, splitting his time between the Gulf Coast League Pirates and the West Virginia Black Bears. He immediately demonstrated his hitting ability, combining for a .308 batting average with 20 RBIs in 56 games.
His progression through the Pirates’ minor league system was steady:
2016 (West Virginia Power): Hayes earned South Atlantic League All-Star honors, batting .263 with six home runs and 37 RBIs in 65 games.
2017 (Bradenton Marauders): He continued to impress, batting .278 with two home runs and 43 RBIs in 108 games, and was named a Florida State League All-Star.
2018 (Altoona Curve): Hayes was an Eastern League All-Star, slashing .293/.375/.444 with seven home runs and 47 RBIs in 117 games.
2019 (West Virginia Black Bears and Indianapolis Indians): He hit .261/.334/.411/.745 with 10 home runs and 55 RBIs. Following this solid season, he was added to the Pirates’ 40-man roster, signaling his impending arrival in the major leagues.
MLB Debut and Early Impact
Ke’Bryan Hayes made his highly anticipated MLB debut on September 1, 2020, for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He wasted no time making his presence felt, hitting his first career home run against the Chicago Cubs on the very same day. Despite the shortened 2020 season, Hayes received five votes in the National League Rookie of the Year voting, finishing in sixth place.
His 2021 season started with a bang, as he hit a home run in his first at-bat. However, injuries began to surface, with left wrist inflammation sidelining him early in April. He was activated in June and continued to show flashes of his potential, finishing the season with a .257/.316/.373 slash line, 6 home runs, 38 RBIs, and 9 stolen bases in 96 games. He was also recognized for his defensive excellence, earning the Fielding Bible Award.
The Contract Extension and Gold Glove Recognition
On April 7, 2022, the Pittsburgh Pirates demonstrated their long-term commitment to Hayes by signing him to an eight-year, $70 million contract extension, which became official on April 12. This significant investment highlighted the organization’s belief in his future as a cornerstone player. The contract runs through 2029 with a club option for 2030, with Hayes earning a base salary of $7,000,000 in 2025.
Hayes continued to be a defensive standout. On November 5, 2023, he achieved a significant milestone by winning the Rawlings Gold Glove Award for National League third basemen. This award was particularly notable as it broke Nolan Arenado’s remarkable streak of 10 consecutive Gold Gloves. Hayes’s defensive metrics have consistently been among the league’s elite, leading all Major League third basemen with 21 Defensive Runs Saved in 2023 and 24 in 2022, according to the Fielding Bible. He also led all NL third basemen with a .972 fielding percentage in 2022, the highest single-season mark by a Pirates third baseman (minimum 100 games).
Battling Injuries and Seeking Offensive Consistency
While his defense has been consistently stellar, Hayes has faced challenges in maintaining offensive consistency and staying on the field. His injury history primarily revolves around various back issues:
2021: Left wrist inflammation.
2022: Multiple stints on the injured list with shoulder, knee, and back ailments.
2023: Back inflammation.
2024: Two stints on the injured list with back inflammation, which severely impacted his production and limited him to 96 games. His offensive numbers in 2024 were career lows, with a .233/.283/.290 slash line, four home runs, and 25 RBIs.
The back issues have been a particular concern, affecting not only his availability but also his performance at the plate. He has actively sought ways to manage these issues, including working with an orthopedic spine surgeon to follow a structured program.
Despite the offensive struggles in some seasons, Hayes has shown flashes of offensive potential. His 2023 season was a strong indicator, as he slashed .271/.309/.453 with 15 home runs, 61 RBIs, 31 doubles, and seven triples. This offensive output, combined with his elite defense, resulted in a 3.9 WAR (Wins Above Replacement) for the season. For context, he posted a career-high 4.5 WAR in 2022.
Sabermetrics and Advanced Metrics
Advanced metrics consistently highlight Hayes’s defensive value. His Fielding Run Value and Outs Above Average (OAA) are among the best in the league for third basemen. While his batting metrics, such as wOBA and wRC+, have fluctuated, they generally reflect his offensive output in any given season. His ability to steal bases (11 on 13 attempts in 2024) adds another dimension to his game.
What Are People Asking About Ke’Bryan Hayes?
Based on common search queries, here’s a breakdown of what fans and analysts are curious about regarding Ke’Bryan Hayes:
Ke’Bryan Hayes’s Batting Approach and Power:
Hayes is known for a solid overall batting approach, but his power has been an area of discussion. While he demonstrated increased power in 2023 with 15 home runs, his home run totals have generally been modest for a corner infielder. His high groundball rate in some seasons has been identified as a factor limiting his power output. The question often revolves around whether he can consistently tap into more extra-base hit power to complement his strong defense.
Ke’Bryan Hayes’s Injury History and Health Status:
His recurring back issues are a significant concern for fans and the Pirates organization. Queries frequently center on his current health, the nature of his injuries (particularly his back), and his ability to stay on the field for a full season. The Pirates have expressed optimism about his health entering the 2025 season, noting his improved physical condition and dedication to offseason workouts.
Ke’Bryan Hayes’s Contract Details:
Fans are often interested in the specifics of his long-term contract. His eight-year, $70 million extension with the Pirates, signed in 2022, is a frequently searched topic, as it represents a substantial commitment from the team.
Ke’Bryan Hayes’s Defensive Highlights and Gold Glove:
His elite defense is a major draw, and fans actively seek out videos and discussions of his highlight-reel plays at third base. His 2023 Gold Glove Award is a testament to his defensive excellence and a point of pride for Pirates fans.
Ke’Bryan Hayes’s Future with the Pirates and Trade Rumors:
Despite his long-term contract, the Pirates’ struggles have led to some speculation about his future. While the team views him as a key piece, the nature of baseball’s trade market means his name can sometimes surface in discussions, particularly given his defensive value. However, the Pirates have consistently stated their belief in him as a foundational player.
Ke’Bryan Hayes’s WAR and Sabermetrics:
Baseball enthusiasts often delve into his advanced statistics, such as WAR (Wins Above Replacement), Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), and Outs Above Average (OAA), to quantify his overall value to the team. These metrics consistently place him among the top defensive players in MLB.
Ke’Bryan Hayes’s Age and Draft:
His age (born January 28, 1997, making him 27 years old as of early 2025) and his draft position (32nd overall in 2015) are common pieces of biographical information that people seek.
Ke’Bryan Hayes’s Family Background:
Many are aware that he is the son of former MLB third baseman Charlie Hayes, and there’s interest in this familial connection and how it may have influenced his baseball career. His older brother, Tyree Hayes, also played minor league baseball.
Fan Expectations for Ke’Bryan Hayes:
Pirates fans hold high expectations for Hayes, hoping he can consistently combine his Gold Glove defense with improved offensive production to become a true two-way star. His ability to stay healthy and contribute offensively will be crucial for the Pirates’ success in the coming years.
FAQs
Who is Ke’Bryan Hayes?
Ke’Bryan Kobe Hayes is an American professional baseball player born on January 28, 1997, in Tomball, Texas. He plays as a third baseman for the Pittsburgh Pirates in Major League Baseball (MLB). Hayes is the son of former MLB player Charlie Hayes, making him a second-generation major leaguer.
What are Ke’Bryan Hayes’ career statistics?
As of May 17, 2025, Hayes has a career batting average of .258, with 38 home runs and 191 runs batted in (RBIs). He has accumulated 508 hits over his MLB career.
What is Ke’Bryan Hayes’ contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates?
In April 2022, Hayes signed an eight-year, $70 million contract extension with the Pittsburgh Pirates, marking the largest deal in the franchise’s history at that time.
Has Ke’Bryan Hayes won any awards?
Yes, Hayes won the Rawlings Gold Glove Award for National League third basemen in 2023, ending Nolan Arenado’s streak of 10 consecutive Gold Glove awards.
What injuries has Ke’Bryan Hayes faced?
Hayes has dealt with several injuries throughout his career, including wrist inflammation in 2021 and recurring back issues in subsequent seasons. In 2024, he was placed on the injured list twice due to back problems, including a herniated disc, which caused him to miss the remainder of the season.
How did Ke’Bryan Hayes perform in the 2025 season?
As of May 2025, Hayes is batting .246 with 1 home run and 15 RBIs. His on-base plus slugging (OPS) stands at .603.
What is Ke’Bryan Hayes’ defensive reputation?
Hayes is widely regarded as one of the best defensive third basemen in MLB. His fielding prowess earned him a Gold Glove Award in 2023, and he continues to make highlight-reel plays at the hot corner.
What is Ke’Bryan Hayes’ background before MLB?
Hayes attended Concordia Lutheran High School in Tomball, Texas, where he excelled in baseball. He committed to play college baseball at the University of Tennessee but chose to enter the MLB draft instead. The Pittsburgh Pirates selected him in the first round, 32nd overall, of the 2015 MLB Draft.
What are some of Ke’Bryan Hayes’ career highlights?
Making his MLB debut on September 1, 2020, and hitting a home run in his first game.
Winning the Gold Glove Award in 2023.
Signing the largest contract in Pirates history in 2022.
Where can I watch Ke’Bryan Hayes’ highlights?
Hayes’ highlights, including his defensive plays and batting performances, can be found on MLB’s official website and YouTube channel.
To conclude
Ke’Bryan Hayes has established himself as a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ infield with his exceptional defensive skills and potential at the plate. Despite facing injury setbacks, his commitment to the game and continuous improvement make him a player to watch in the coming seasons. As he continues to develop, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Hayes will shape the future of the Pirates and leave his mark on Major League Baseball.
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