Pirates’ ‘Worst Contract’ with Ke’Bryan Hayes: A Growing Problem
The Pittsburgh Pirates have historically been a team that carefully manages its finances, rarely splurging on big-name players. Yet, when they handed Ke’Bryan Hayes an eight-year, $70 million contract extension in 2022, it appeared they were finally committing long-term to a cornerstone piece. At the time, Hayes was touted as one of the best defensive third basemen in the league, and there was hope that his bat would eventually catch up to his glove.
However, as the dust settles on this deal, more questions are surfacing about whether the Pirates’ investment in Hayes has turned into a nightmare. Is this now the worst contract in Pirates’ history?
Early Promise, Unmet Expectations
Hayes burst onto the scene in 2020, dazzling fans with both his glove and his bat, hitting .376 in his first 24 games. That short, pandemic-affected season left many excited about his potential. His defense at third base was never in doubt—he quickly became one of the best at the hot corner. But there was always a looming question: could he maintain offensive consistency?
Fast forward to today, and Hayes’ offensive output has been disappointing, to say the least. He’s hitting below league average for much of his contract so far, and his lack of power has been a glaring issue. His slugging percentage hovers at concerning levels for a player locked into such a hefty deal.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Hayes’ WAR (Wins Above Replacement) has primarily been driven by his defense, but modern MLB teams, especially in today’s analytically driven era, expect more than just defensive prowess from a player with a long-term contract. The Pirates’ decision-makers might be asking themselves: Was this a miscalculation?
While Hayes continues to flash the leather, his offensive struggles are becoming harder to ignore. His below-average OPS (on-base plus slugging) is raising concerns, especially when you consider his contract makes him one of the highest-paid players on the roster. The Pirates are paying for elite production, but they’re getting one-dimensional output.
The Financial Burden
For a small-market team like the Pirates, committing such a large portion of the payroll to a player who hasn’t delivered at the plate is risky. Unlike wealthier teams that can absorb a bad contract, Pittsburgh doesn’t have that luxury. They’re locked into Hayes’ deal, and if he doesn’t find his swing soon, this contract could hamstring the franchise’s financial flexibility for years to come.
Pirates fans are growing impatient, as they’ve seen many promising prospects fail to reach their full potential in Pittsburgh. While Hayes has certainly lived up to the defensive expectations, his offensive performance may not justify the Pirates’ financial gamble, especially when considering the broader implications for the team’s rebuilding process.
The Worst Contract in Pirates’ History?
While it’s still early in Hayes’ deal, it’s hard not to compare it to other infamous contracts in Pirates’ history, like the ill-fated Jason Kendall extension. Yet, this one may have more long-term ramifications given the modern-day demands of baseball and the ever-increasing cost of young talent.
Critics argue that the Pirates’ front office, in their desperation to retain some semblance of talent, overpaid for a player who might only ever be elite in one aspect of the game. They took a leap of faith on Hayes developing into a more complete player, but that hasn’t happened—yet. There’s still time for him to turn it around, but as of now, this contract is becoming a significant problem for the team.
Conclusion
The Ke’Bryan Hayes contract, once seen as a beacon of hope for Pirates fans, is quickly becoming a controversial issue. While Hayes’ defense remains stellar, his lack of offensive growth is a glaring flaw that the Pirates cannot afford to ignore. If he doesn’t turn things around soon, the Pirates might be stuck with one of the worst contracts in franchise history, further complicating their efforts to rebuild and compete in a highly competitive NL Central.