Reds fans are realizing a harsh Ke'Bryan Hayes truth Pirates already knew

Some variation of this piece can probably be run from now until Ke'Bryan Hayes' contract ends in 2029 (2030 club option). The glove, as always, remains outstanding — he's already accumulated +2 Outs Above Average and Defensive Runs Saved apiece in just nine games with the Cincinnati Reds in 2026.

But, as Pittsburgh Pirates fans know all too well, he just can't hit. Through those same nine games, Hayes is slashing .130/.200/.130, good for a -4 wRC+. Despite providing top-five defensive value in the league thus far, regardless of position, Hayes has been worth negative fWAR (-0.1) for the Reds this season.

And thus continues the perpetual cycle of one of the most frustrating players in baseball.

Ke'Bryan Hayes' offensive struggles leave Reds in a jam Pirates can sympathize with

Hayes' offensive struggles, though more exaggerated than during his time in Pittsburgh, are nothing knew. Prior to being shipped off at least year's trade deadline, he had posted a combined 59 wRC+ between 2024-25.

He's now the Reds' problem, which is causing some headaches for manager Terry Francona. Hayes' glove is much better than Eugenio Suarez's, but he's soaking up a spot in the lineup that could otherwise be going to a platoon of Nathaniel Lowe and Dane Myers.

For what it's worth, Hayes' advanced metrics paint a better picture, as he's practically never striking out or whiffing. However, making huge amounts of contact doesn't always lead to good results, and it's a problem that he has yet to barrel up a ball this year. It's truly an offensive profile that continues to boggle the mind, though the truth remains that Hayes hasn't even been a league-average hitter since 2023.

For their part, the Pirates haven't been missing Hayes too much, though his glove would certainly look nice next to Konnor Griffin. While it's true that Jared Triolo's injury opened a lane for the top prospect to take over at shortstop, his absence has also forced Nick Gonzales and Nick Yorke into a competition for playing time at third base.

Both have at least looked up to the task — Yorke is walking more than he's struck out and has a 141 wRC+, while Gonzales owns a .310/.375/.379 batting line — and they've combined to post average defensive numbers at the hot corner this year. That's more than good enough to keep the line moving, and compared to Hayes, both look like All-Stars in 2026.

Even though Taylor Rogers never played a game for the team and Sammy Stafura flamed out after being acquired last year, the Pirates still look like genuises for offloading Hayes' contract when they did. That's how rough the start to his Reds tenure has been.