RADIO
Ke'Bryan Hayes 2024 Player Outlook: A Solid Corner Infield Option
11 months ago2023 was something of a breakout for Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes, as the slick-fielding 3B posted career highs in key categories such as batting average (.271), home runs (15), and wRC+ (101). There was some legitimate growth underneath the hood as well, with Hayes posting an impressive 92.1 MPH average exit velocity and a 13.2-degree launch angle, eight degrees higher than in 2022. Even with this breakout, Hayes's upside isn't that exciting. He'd be lucky to crack 20 home runs, and he plays for a Pittsburgh squad that affords little opportunity for runs and RBI. Still, a .271 AVG is nothing to sneeze at in a year where the league average was .248. He also has double-digit steals in two consecutive seasons. Hayes's glove and youth should ensure he gets ample playing time, and he's a solid, if unexciting, option at corner infield in 2024. ATC projects Hayes to hit .271 with 15 home runs, 61 RBI, 65 runs, and 10 stolen bases over 494 at-bats. The 24-year-old has been red-hot this spring, hitting .421 (16-for-38) with three home runs and nine RBI across 38 at-bats. The 27-year-old does have 20/20 upside and could easily smash his current NFBC ADP of 167, making him a solid pick in the middle-rounds in 2024 fantasy baseball drafts.
