The Pittsburgh Pirates are a team that must live and die by its prospects. In a new series, PBD will project each of the team’s Top 20 prospects in 2017.
Welcome to a new recurring series here at Pirates Breakdown in which we count down and project the 2017 seasons for each of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Top 20 prospects, ranked as per MLB Pipeline.
Today we take a look at the team’s #6 prospect, Ke’Bryan Hayes
Prospect Primer
Ke’Bryan Hayes was drafted out of Concordia Lutheran High School in the first round of the 2015 MLB draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Ke’Bryan’s father, Charlie Hayes, played 14 season in the majors. While Charlie was a solid – if unspectacular – major league player, his son appears to have the tools to be a solid contributor. The Pirates certainly could have a need in the next few years at third base with Jung Ho Kang’s contract expiring in 2019.
Let’s take a deep dive into what Ke’Bryan could bring to the Pirates.
Strengths
Hayes has a great chance at being an above average hitter at some point in his major league career. For his age, Hayes has an advanced approach at the plate, which is uncommon. According to MLB Pipeline he grades out as an above power hitter at the plate as well, when compared to other prospects. Hayes has always done a nice job of just putting the ball in play, trying to create offense. He does not try to hit the ball out of the park on every swing, but it is likely that his power numbers will climb with more professional experience, and as his body fills out.
Another strength in Hayes game is his work ethic. Hayes has proven from day one that he is willing to put the work in that is necessary to become a major league player. He has done a nice job settling in at third base, which could be a long term position for him. He certainly has the athleticism, arm and footwork to play the position.
Areas For Improvement
One area that Hayes will need to work on is his patience at the plate. While Hayes does have an advanced approach, he sometimes will chase pitches out of the zone. Last season in 282 plate appearances he had 52 strikeouts. That time was split between the GCL Pirates and the West Virginia Power, so some may attribute those strikeout numbers to moving up a level.
Another area of Hayes game that could use some work is his base running ability. According to MLB Pipeline, he is a below average base runner. It would be hard to say that he looks lost at time on the bases, but he can seem to make some poor decisions. Last season Hayes attempted to steal 11 bases, but was only successful on 6 of those.
Though this is out of his control, Hayes will also have to put together a healthy season. Plagued by a back issue last year, 2016 was a season of starts and stops for the youngster. A full season with a normal development is crucial.
Where He Starts 2017
It is likely that Hayes will start 2017 with the West Virginia Power. Hayes is still a very young prospect at only 19 years of age. Being with the Power will give Hayes time to develop his game further, offensively and defensively. It will also help the Pittsburgh Pirates coaching staff to know which direction to send Hayes in going forward for his success.
Where He Ends 2017
With Hayes advanced approach at the plate and nice footwork around the bag at third, he could theoretically see time at Double A Altoona before the year is done, but landing in Bradenton with the Marauders might be a more realistic destination.
Hayes has a lot of potential and had many bright spots last season. He must improve his plate discipline and base running if he wishes to see the promotion, however. Hayes will be a prospect to watch closely over the next couple of years, he could be a good one.
Featured Image Credit – Bryan Green – Flickr Creative Commons
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