2. Ke’Bryan Hayes
Minors (A-, AAA): 492 plate appearances, .261/.334/.411, ten homers, 31 doubles, 13 steals, 45 walks, 92 strikeouts
Charlie Hayes had a 14 year major league career, and spent part of the 1996 campaign with the Pittsburgh Pirates. His son, Ke’Bryan Hayes, figures to be in Pittsburgh for a lot more than 126 games.
While it seems as though the younger Hayes has been around as a prospect forever, he was not drafted that long ago. The 32nd pick of the 2015 MLB Draft, Hayes has slowly worked his way through the system, reaching AAA last year. A trek to the majors could be his next step as soon as next year.
Although Hayes always impressed with his approach at the plate, he has refined that approach over the years. His contact first strategy is still there, but he has been more patient and has displayed more power as his body continues to mature. Not only does he have solid speed which works well with his more line drive oriented swing, but he has excellent instincts on the basepaths as well. Defensively, he may be the best defensive third baseman in the minors, with his glove and arm showing the hallmarks of a possible Gold Glove winner.
The Pirates do not have much ahead of Hayes at the major league level. Colin Moran is still listed as the starter, but had lost his spot in the lineup several times over the years. Should Hayes have a strong showing in Spring Training, the hot corner could be his for the next decade.
Charlie Hayes had a solid career. Ke’Bryan Hayes could overshadow his father’s accomplishments in short order.