According to a report, the Pirates attempted to sign third-baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes to an extension, but it was ultimately rejected.
MLB Network's Jon Heyman of Radio.com Sports says "If Pirates should extend anyone, it's Hayes. Had a 1.124 OPS last year, 1.259 in spring.
Heyman adds that early extensions are becoming rarer.
Pirates Fan Insider Jason Mackey of the Post-Gazette also confirmed the report saying it was turned down.
Hayes is under team control for the next three seasons and then goes through three years of arbitration between 2024- 2026.
He'll become an unrestricted free agent in 2027 if an extension isn't signed before then.
The 24-year-old had a stellar 2020 hitting .376 in 85 at bats with 17 32 hits, five home runs and 11 RBI.
Hayes has also continued to have a great spring training hitting .432 in 40 plate appearances.
Hayes is still considered a rookie and is an early strong favorite for Rookie of the Year.
Expectations for Hayes are high, but as he told the Fan Morning Show last month, he doesn't really feel the pressure to be the face of the franchise and that it would be "awesome."
