MLB Pipeline continued their rankings of the top prospects at each position in the minors, going with third baseman on Tuesday. Ke’Bryan Hayes was named the fifth best third baseman, just two days before his 19th birthday. They called him an advanced hitter for his age, with the footwork, hands, arm strength and instincts to remain at third base.
The 32nd overall pick from the 2015 draft got some great experience in his first year by signing early and reporting to the GCL, where he hit .333/.434/.375 in 44 games. He finished second in the league in batting average, losing the title on the last day of the season. Hayes was promoted to Morgantown, where he played another 12 regular season games and five playoff games. That should set him up nicely for a promotion to West Virginia to start 2016, where he would be one of the youngest players in the league.
We took a look at Hayes yesterday during our top prospect countdown, ranking him tenth overall in the Pirates’ system. He has the bat and glove to make him a regular in the majors for a long time, as long as he progresses well through the system. If he develops power, then he could be an above average player.
The Pirates have been well represented so far on the prospect lists, making five of the first six, including two of the top six catchers. This link from yesterday has links to all of the other lists. Austin Meadows is sure to make the outfield list on Thursday, and when the top 100 is announced on Friday night, the Pirates will be near the top for number of players on the list.
