The Pittsburgh Pirates have drafted high school third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes with the 32nd pick in the 2015 draft. The pick was first reported by JJ Cooper of Baseball America.
Pirates going to nab 3b Ke'Bryan Hayes, Charlie Hayes son, it appears. HS bat from texas with helium
— JJ Cooper (@jjcoop36) June 9, 2015
The Pirates are thin on third base prospects in their system, and Hayes looks like a guy who could stick there. That wasn’t always the case, as he had to drop 20 pounds to be considered a third baseman. He’s got a plus arm, and a good glove, although he lacks range, and that could be an issue if he adds too much weight to fill out his frame. The Pirates will give him every opportunity to stick at third base, and he really has no competition in the lower levels to move him off the position, as he will be behind guys like Wyatt Mathisen and Jordan Luplow. The Pirates also stress athleticism in their system, so I think they will put a focus on keeping Hayes in shape to play third base, especially since he has done a good job of taking that initiative himself in high school.
Offensively, Hayes has good bat speed and is a line drive hitter who could add some power as he fills out. Keith Law was one of the highest on him, ranking him 24th overall, and saying he profiles as a glove-first third baseman who can provide value with the bat, calling him an everyday player.
This is the pick that they received as compensation for losing Russell Martin to free agency. Hayes is the son of former MLB third baseman Charlie Hayes, who played for the Pirates in 1996.
