Four Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects That Made An Impact This Spring

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BRADENTON, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 20: Ke’Bryan Hayes #77 of the Pittsburgh Pirates poses for a portrait during the Pittsburgh Pirates Photo Day on February 20, 2019 at Pirate City in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes

There were few players, prospect or otherwise, who had a better spring for the Pittsburgh Pirates than third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes. Hayes, the organization’s top hitting prospect, was recently re-assigned to minor league camp but he made a huge impression before being re-assigned. A strong argument can be made that Hayes was the breakout player of the spring for the Pirates.

In 23 Grapefruit League at bats Bryan collected eight hits, including a pair of home runs, he posted a .360 on-base percentage, and he had a total of seven extra base hits. In fact, Hayes’ seven extra base hits was the most in the Grapefruit League when he was re-assigned to minor league camp.

On top of hitting the ball well, Hayes also played excellent defense at the hot corner. This, however, should come as no surprise. Throughout his minor league career Hayes has been viewed as a player that is a future Gold Glove Award winner at third base.

Throughout his time in MLB camp Hayes continued to flash the power that he started to develop last season. Hayes has all the tools to be a future superstar at the MLB level.

Hayes will begin the season at Triple-A Indianapolis. This will be his first taste of the Triple-A level. So, he will need time, seasoning, and at bats with the Indians. That said, do not rule out a September call up for Hayes if he performs well at Triple-A this season.