More Honors for Pittsburgh Pirates Prospect Ke’Bryan Hayes

The Pittsburgh Pirates have one of the best third base prospects in baseball.  However, it’s not just his potential offense that scouts like.

The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Ke’Bryan Hayes during the Compensation Round of the 2014 MLB June Amateur Draft.  At the time he was considered one of the last rising prospects that teams started to really take notice of.  The reason?  Well, first because of his projectable power with a solid athletic frame at 6’1” and 200 pounds.

However, teams also liked that fact that he had this projectable power at the hot corner, a position he was considered to be a plus defender at.  He has done nothing but continue developing his game since joining the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.

On another note, Ke’Bryan Hayes received another honor.  The Pittsburgh Pirates top position prospect has quickly become one of the games top prospects.  A big reason why is because the jump his bat took last year.  However, one thing that Hayes has always had to boast as a prospect is high defense.  He has won multiple Minor League third base Gold Gloves.

Now he received another honor for his defense from MLB Pipeline. Jonathan Mayo, one of the best prospect analysts around, ranked Hayes as the overall best defender in the Pittsburgh Pirates.  Mayo said in his article:

“He entered pro ball as one of the better defenders at the hot corner, but he’s gotten even better as he’s committed himself to his conditioning, adding to his agility and range to make him the best in the Minors at the position.”

Mayo also had Hayes on his All-Defense prospect team last week which is an even bigger honor.  By being on that list, Hayes is considered by Mayo as the best defensive third base prospect in baseball. This is something that the Pittsburgh Pirates may lack at the Major League level.  While Colin Moran held his own with the bat last season, he did not provide much in the field.  Hayes will be able to be in the Gold Glove competition year in and year out.

Hayes has the pedigree.  His father, Charlie Hayes, was a long time third baseman in the league. The big thing for Hayes this season is to continue his offensive break out. If it continues, then Hayes very well could be in Pittsburgh this season. If his bat can continue to develop like it did last year at Double-A, the Pirates will have a future superstar.