Pittsburgh Pirates News: Ke’Bryan Hayes Named Gold Glove Award Finalist

Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes was named a finalist for the third base National League Gold Glove Award on Thursday

Throughout his minor league career Ke’Bryan Hayes was known for his defensive prowess at third base. This led to him winning multiple minor league Gold Glove Awards at the position while in the minor leagues. Since joining the Pittsburgh Pirates, Hayes has continued to be an absolute stud at third base.

There is an argument to be made that Hayes is the best defensive third baseman in baseball. Hell, there is a legitimate argument to be made that Hayes might be the best defensive player in all of baseball, regardless of position.

On Thursday, Hayes was named a finalist for the National League Gold Glove Award at third base. He joins Nolan Arenado and Ryan McMahon as finalists for the award.

Nolan Arenado has had the National League Gold Glove Award at third base on lockdown for quite some time. He has won the award nine years in a row dating back to 2013, but Hayes is the better defensive third baseman.

This past season Hayes led all Major League third basemen in Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) at +24. This was better than Arenado’s DRS of +19. His +18 Outs Above Average (OAA) also led all MLB third basemen, beating out Arenado’s OAA of +15.

While Hayes struggled offensively in 2022, there is no denying his defensive prowess. Being an elite defensive player was a big contributing factor in Hayes posting a 4.3 WAR during the 2022 season.

Gold Glove Awards will be given out on November 1st. The awards will be announced on ESPN’s Baseball Tonight prior to the start of Game 4 of the World Series. Hopefully, Hayes will take home the hardware that he deserves.