The Pittsburgh PiratesThird baseman is being built Ke’Bryan Hayes.
Multiple reports have indicated that Hayes and the Pirates have reached an eight-year, $70million agreement. However, Hayes must pass a physical. According to The Associated Press, a formal announcement will not be made until after the team’s home opener on April 12.
It is the largest ever franchise agreement.
Hayes was expected to reach third in Pittsburgh’s season opener in St. Louis, on Thursday.
As they continue their methodical build-up, the deal provides some stability for the team. Hayes is the son of Charlie Hayes, a former major leaguer and a first-round draft pick in 2015. He will be entering the big leagues in 2020.
Hayes was averaging.280 in 120 career games when he entered the 2022 season. Hayes is well-known for his defensive play and won Rookie of Month in September 2020. However, he was limited to just 96 games due to a left wrist injury.
A contact is also a way for a fan base that has been disappointed by three consecutive last-place finishes to find a player it can attach itself to. While the Pirates are in transition, most of their prospects since Cherington took over in fall 2019 are still only a year away from moving to Pittsburgh.
With a largely unknown and cheap roster, the Pirates are likely to finish at the bottom of the NL Central. Cherington has repeatedly said that the team will make investments when they feel it is close winning. The agreement reached with Hayes marks the beginning of a long-term plan at big-league level.
The contract is in effect for the current season and will continue through 2029, with an option to extend it into 2030.
This report was compiled by the Associated Press.