The Pirates front office went and did what the team’s fanbase has been clamoring for.
They spent money and locked up a young star for years to come.
And not only did the Pirates secure third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes through, potentially, the age of 31, they did so on a reasonable, yet historic deal for the organization.
Pittsburgh has never dished out money like this to a single player. The reported 8-year, $70 million deal is a significant financial commitment for the organization, and the largest since catcher Jason Kendall received a 6-year, $60 million contract 22 years ago.
And, while it may not be comparable to the extravagant, big money contracts given to some of the game’s established superstars by mostly big market teams, it gives the Pirates a chance to keep a player with a high floor and intriguing ceiling in town for years.
Hayes is an elite defensive player. Despite playing in just 120 career MLB games and battling through injuries in his rookie year, he’s projected to have a 11.2 dWAR (defensive wins above replacement) mark this season.
Want that in layman’s terms? His defensive value is the second most among all third basemen in the game. Only Toronto’s Matt Chapman is being estimated higher. And that remains the case on projections through the 2024 season.
Offensively, Hayes is projected to hit .254/.319/.400 with 26 doubles, ten home runs and 46 RBI this season, according to FanGraphs’ ZiPS.
Those possible numbers are felt to be a bit low by some experts, who see Hayes’ offensive upside as better than others.
Hayes’ contract seems nearly worthwhile based on his defense alone. If he can become even an above average hitter, it’s a complete steal of an agreement for the Pirates.
His $70 million contract is the 69th largest in baseball at the moment, and the average annual value of $8.75 million is just 99th overall.
But, beyond the commitment to Hayes, this also feels like a commitment from the Pirates, general manager Ben Cherington and owner Bob Nutting to Pirates fans.
It’s no secret that the Pirates’ payroll is going to be among the lowest in baseball this year. But if the team’s front office believes that this core is going to become a winner in Pittsburgh, it was time to show some future financial investment.
The Pirates did just that Thursday, just hours before the first pitch of the 2022 season. And, while it’s not going to completely change the outside view of the organization, and won't win over those who have grown apathetic, it is a necessary step in the right direction, and one that should inject a little bit of hope into a fanbase that desperately craves some.