Rum Bunter’s 2020 Pittsburgh Pirates Staff Predictions: Stephen Strosko
Rookie of the Year – Ke’Bryan Hayes
A few opposing forces will make 2020 an interesting season for rookies. With the shortened season, there will be less time for rookies to earn a promotion. On the other hand, rosters are one player larger at 26 instead of 25, teams may opt to give development time to star prospects if minor league teams fail to play games, and if players choose to or are forced to sit out, rookies may need to get promoted.
With all of that being said, I am putting my money on Ke’Bryan Hayes. Hayes may not have a starting job on day one, but, if healthy, he could make the Opening Day roster. Unless fellow third baseman Colin Moran is an absolute monster this year at the plate, Hayes will be the every day third baseman by the end of the season. Hayes is a heralded prospect in the Pirates system and across the MLB. Known for his world class defense and average to above-average bat, there is a lot to like.
Since Ben Cherington took over the front office of the Pittsburgh Pirates, the organization has made it a priority to solidify the Pirates’ abysmal defense. With the defensive skill difference between Hayes and Moran, I am sure Cherington will push to pivot to the rookie sooner rather than later.