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Pittsburgh Pirates: Ke’Bryan Hayes, Young Bats Highlights Opening Series
By Marty Leap
Welcome to the Ke’Bryan Hayes Era
The biggest story of the series was Ke’Bryan Hayes. Sure, the Hayes Era in Pittsburgh technically began in September of 2020, but now we know that the Hayes Era will last until at least 2029.
Prior to first pitch in the series/season opening game on Thursday news broke that Hayes and the Pittsburgh Pirates had agreed to a contract extension. The extension is an 8-year deal, with a club option for a 9th season, worth $70 million. This is the largest contract the Pirates have ever given out in franchise history.
On the field Hayes quickly became the story as well. He left Thursday’s game in the bottom of the 1st inning with an apparent wrist/forearm issue. As the Pittsburgh Pirates, Hayes, and fans all held their breath, everything turned out to be just fine. Hayes was simply dealing with a cramping issue.
The rest of the series was all about what Hayes did on the field. Dueling with Nolan Arenado, Hayes made multiple eye popping plays at third base as he begins his campaign to dethrone Arenado who has won 9 consecutive Gold Glove Awards at the hot corner.
At the plate Hayes was locked in. Over the course of the final two games of the series Hayes was 4-for-10 with a walk, a double, he scored twice, and drove in a run. He also put three balls in play that left his bat at 105 MPH or higher. If the opening series of the season was any sign of things to come then the Hayes breakout season has begun.