Ke’Bryan Hayes Bio
Ke’Bryan Kobe Hayes is an American professional baseball third baseman for the Cincinnati Reds of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He made his MLB debut in 2020 with the Pirates and won a Gold Glove Award in 2023.
Early Life and Background
Ke’Bryan Hayes was born on January 28, 1997, in Tomball, Texas, USA. He is the son of Charlie Hayes, who played for 14 seasons in MLB. His older brother Tyree was a pitcher in the minor leagues. Hayes attended Concordia Lutheran High School in Tomball, Texas, where he began to develop his baseball skills.
Path to Baseball
Hayes committed to play college baseball at the University of Tennessee. In 2015, as a high school senior, he hit .436 with three home runs, 27 runs batted in (RBI), and 12 stolen bases. His impressive performance in high school set the stage for his professional career, as the Pittsburgh Pirates selected him in the first round, with the 32nd overall selection, of the 2015 MLB draft.
Ke’Bryan Hayes Career
Early Career (2015-2019)
Hayes began his professional career in 2015, playing for both the Gulf Coast League Pirates and the West Virginia Black Bears, batting a combined .308 with 20 RBI in 56 games. In 2016, he spent the season with the West Virginia Power, where he earned South Atlantic League All-Star honors and compiled a .263 average with six home runs and 37 RBI in 65 games. Hayes continued to progress through the Pirates’ farm system in 2017 with the Bradenton Marauders, where he batted .278 and was named a Florida State League All-Star.
Pittsburgh Pirates Breakthrough (2020-2025)
On September 1, 2020, the Pirates promoted Hayes to the majors, where he made his MLB debut the same day and hit his first career home run against the Chicago Cubs. He received five votes in 2020 National League Rookie of the Year voting, finishing in sixth place. In 2021, despite spending time on the injured list, Hayes became the quickest Pirate to 20 career extra-base hits in the modern era, one game faster than Barry Bonds. He was awarded the Fielding Bible Award for excellent defense as a third baseman. In 2022, Hayes agreed to an eight-year, $70 million contract extension with the Pirates. He made 136 appearances for Pittsburgh, batting .244 with seven home runs and 41 RBI. In 2023, Hayes made 124 appearances for the Pirates, slashing .271/.309/.453 with 15 home runs and 61 RBI. On November 5, 2023, he won the Rawlings Gold Glove Award for NL third basemen, breaking Nolan Arenado’s streak of 10 consecutive Gold Glove awards. In 2024, Hayes made 96 appearances for the Pirates, batting .233 with four home runs and 25 RBI. He played in 100 games for Pittsburgh in 2025, slashing .236/.279/.290 with two home runs and 36 RBI.
Cincinnati Reds Era (2025-Present)
On July 30, 2025, Hayes was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for Taylor Rogers, Sammy Stafura, and cash considerations. He joined the Reds with a reputation for solid defense and consistent hitting. In his first season with Cincinnati, Hayes brought his Gold Glove-caliber defense to the team, continuing to excel at third base while contributing offensively.
Fielding Style and Strengths
Hayes is known for his exceptional defensive skills at third base, having won two Gold Glove Awards. His quick reflexes, strong arm, and reliable glove work make him one of the premier defensive third basemen in the league. His approach to fielding combines fundamental techniques with anticipation, allowing him to make difficult plays look routine.
Notable Events and Milestones
Hayes’ most notable achievement was breaking Nolan Arenado’s 10-year streak of Gold Glove Awards in 2023, establishing himself as one of the elite defensive third basemen in the game. His first career MLB home run on debut in 2020 marked the beginning of what would become a promising professional career.
Ke’Bryan Hayes Career Wins
Throughout his MLB career, Ke’Bryan Hayes has established himself as a reliable third baseman with strong defensive capabilities and consistent offensive contributions. His most significant accomplishments include his Gold Glove Awards and his role as a key defensive player for both the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds.
MLB Highlights
Hayes has demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest level of professional baseball. His 15 home runs and 61 RBI in 2023 represented his most productive offensive season to date. His defensive excellence has been recognized with two Gold Glove Awards, highlighting his impact on the field beyond traditional statistics. In 2025, despite being traded mid-season, he continued to contribute valuable defense and steady offense to his new team.
Other Wins & Performances
During his minor league career, Hayes earned multiple All-Star honors across different levels, including the South Atlantic League in 2016 and the Florida State League in 2017. His consistent performance throughout the Pirates’ farm system helped him develop into a major league-caliber player.
| Series | Wins | Top Tens | Poles |
|---|---|---|---|
| MLB | 44 | 230 RBI | Not specified |
Ke’Bryan Hayes Family
Family Background and Baseball Lineage
Ke’Bryan Hayes comes from a baseball family, with his father Charlie Hayes having played 14 seasons in Major League Baseball. His older brother Tyree also pursued professional baseball, pitching in the minor leagues. This family background provided Hayes with early exposure to the sport and professional baseball environments.
Personal Life
While Hayes maintains a relatively private personal life, his commitment to baseball has been evident throughout his career. He signed a substantial eight-year contract extension with the Pirates in 2022, reflecting both his value to the organization and his long-term dedication to the sport.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Ke’Bryan Hayes began the season with the Pittsburgh Pirates before being traded to the Cincinnati Reds on July 30. With the Pirates, he played in 100 games, slashing .236/.279/.290 with two home runs and 36 RBI. After the trade, he continued to provide his Gold Glove-caliber defense to the Reds while gradually adjusting to a new organization. The mid-season move demonstrated his value as both a defensive specialist and a consistent offensive contributor, with his experience making him an immediate asset to the Reds’ infield.