Prospect Watch: Ke'Bryan Hayes Primed for MLB Debut in 2020
Over the last several seasons, Pirates fans have been hearing about the rise of Ke'Bryan Hayes through the Minor League system. The Pirates number two overall prospect has had a quick rise through the system, making it all the way from high school player to Triple A in just five seasons. Many thought his call to the Major Leagues would come last September, but that was not the case as he continued to work on things in Triple A. Now that 2020 is just around rhe corner, Hayes is primed to take his spot as the Pirates starting third baseman this season.
Ever since he was drafted out of Concordia Lutheran High School in Tomball, Texas, the Pirates liked Hayes. He was drafted as an outfielder and assigned to the Gulf Coast League Pirates that season. Right away, he showed a knack for getting on base hitting .333 with a .403 on base percentage. However, most of those hits were singles as he only had four extra base hits, all doubles, and didn't hit a single home run. However, the average was good enough to get him promoted to Class A later that year.
He appeared in 12 games with the West Virginia Black Bears that season and the transition saw his average drop to .220 while driving in seven RBI. He drove in a run in all but five games he played and continued to get on base at a high rate. He had a .320 on base percentage and didn't strikeout much, but also wasn't a very patient hitter. In 41 at bats, he walked just six times while striking out only seven times during that span. However, the average was not where Hayes wanted it at .220 and, as a result, he would start the next year once again with the Black Bears.
The 2016 season saw Hayes suffer his first injury of his professional career when he went on the 7-day injured list. He missed about a month of the season, but still was able to improve his numbers from the year before. He hit .263 in 65 games played and showed a glimpse of the raw power he came up with hitting six home runs and driving in 37 RBI. He also started making the move to third base and his defensive ability was shining through. He had a .956 fielding percentage with the Black Bears comitting jusy eight errors that season.
He moved up to the Bradenton Marauders in 2017 and his average and power numbers continued to increase along with his defensive play. He set new career-high hitting .278 and 43 RBI while hitting two home runs and posting a .345 on base percentage. His average was progressing nicely and the power was starting to come in spurts, but nothing truly consistent. His gap power was showing with 16 doubles that season and he continued to hit for a high average. This helped spring board him the Double A Altoona, where he started to mature into a more professional hitter.
His batting average jumped into the mid 290's while hitting seven home runs and 47 RBI. All three numbers were new career highs for the young third baseman as he proved that he could hit professional pitching. While he set a career high in home runs, he started driving the ball more hitting 31 doubles during the 2017 season. As his offense got better, his defensive game continued to grow as well as he got more comfortable at the hot corner. He comitted just six errors that season and his fielding percentage went up to .978. This gave the Pirates a top prospect who they could mold into an everyday talent.
After performing well in his first Spring Training with the big league club last season, Hayes made the jump to Triple A Indianapolis as the starting third baseman. He saw his average dip to .265, but he had his first double digit home run season hitting 10 while driving in a career-high 53 RBI in 65 games played. The injury bug would once again hit Hayes as he had to go on the 7-day injured list missing the second half of June. After a quick rehab in West Virginia, Hayes was back on July 4th and finished the season strong.
He returned for his second season in big league camp this season and was performing well. He appeared in 13 games for the Bucs, hitting .400 with one home run and one RBI. He was optioned to Triple A as part of the first round of cuts, where he will continue to improve on what he needs to work on before reaching the Major Leagues. He is probably the best defensive third baseman in the system, but one thing that hasn't come through yet is the power.
There are a couple different "power positions" on the diamond and third base is one of those positions. You usually like to see between 15-20 home runs from your third baseman, and Hayes's career high is just 10 last season. While he hasn't been leaving the yard as much as expected, he has been finding gaps and showing power to the deep parts of the ball park. He had his second straight 30 double season last year and finished tied for 8th in the International League in that category. With the deep gaps in PNC Park, this gap power should benefit Hayes at the Major League level. He may not be a traditional power threat like Josh Bell, but those extra base hits make just as much if not more of an impact.
2020 should be the year we see Hayes make his MLB debut and take his place across the diamond from Josh Bell. If he can channel some of that raw power he was drafted for and hit some more home runs, he is someone who Pirates fans can get excited about at the hot corner for years to come. The question isn't if Hayes will make his MLB debut in 2020, but just when will we see him in black and gold this season.
Prediction: .255, 9 HR, 55 RBI
While I am a huge fan of Colin Moran, I think 2020 is the time to see just what the Pirates number two overall prospect has to offer. I think he makes his move to the big leagues halfway through the season, but I don't think it will come as easy as some think. I think he will struggle to adjust to Big League pitching initially, but will find his footing at the plate. On the defensive side, I think he will be just fine holding down the hot corner and, along with Kevin Newman, will help sure up the defense on the left side of the infield.
As of now, the season is expected to begin somewhere around May 25th. Until then, we will continue to look at the men who make up this year's team and their contributions in 2020.
Comments
Post a Comment