Ke’Bryan Hayes – Pittsburgh Pirates Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Ke’Bryan Hayes has become one of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ cornerstone players since his MLB debut. The talented third baseman grabbed headlines in 2022 when he signed a historic eight-year, $70 million contract extension with the team.

This deal, which runs through 2029 with a club option for 2030, stands as the largest contract in Pirates franchise history.

Hayes’ financial portfolio has grown a lot since this landmark deal. Right now, he earns about $10 million per year, which bumps his net worth to over $72 million.

His defensive skills at third base have earned him Gold Glove consideration. Still, some analysts wonder if his offensive numbers really match up with the expectations set by his contract.

Ke’Bryan grew up in a baseball family—his dad is former MLB player Charlie Hayes. His journey from first-round draft pick to franchise cornerstone shows the Pirates’ faith in his abilities, even with some ups and downs in performance.

As Hayes continues his career in Pittsburgh, both the team and fans hope his development justifies the significant financial investment they’ve made.

Early Life and Background

Ke’Bryan Hayes started developing his baseball skills early, thanks to his family’s deep baseball roots and his own competitive drive.

Family and Childhood

Ke’Bryan Hayes was born on January 28, 1997, in Tomball, Texas. His father, Charlie Hayes, played third base in the Major Leagues for 14 seasons and grabbed a World Series ring with the Yankees in 1996.

Growing up in a baseball family gave Ke’Bryan some unique advantages. He often hung out in MLB clubhouses as a kid, soaking in the pro atmosphere while his dad played.

This early exposure shaped his understanding of the game.

As a kid, Hayes showed off his athleticism in football and basketball too. Still, baseball always took center stage, especially with his dad coaching and mentoring him from the start.

Amateur Baseball Career

Hayes attended Concordia Lutheran High School in Tomball. He quickly stood out as a player, especially for his defense at third base.

Scouts compared his glove to his dad’s, but they noticed his hitting was actually more advanced at the same age.

During high school, Hayes kept a batting average above .400 and made some jaw-dropping plays in the field. That defensive skill became his calling card.

He played in big tournaments like the Under Armour All-America Game. Those performances caught the eyes of MLB scouts, who liked his mature approach to the game.

The Pittsburgh Pirates picked Hayes with the 32nd overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft. They offered him a hefty signing bonus to skip college.

Professional Career Overview

Ke’Bryan Hayes has become a key player for the Pittsburgh Pirates since breaking into Major League Baseball. Fans know him best for his stellar defense at third base, but his bat has shown flashes of promise too.

MLB Debut and Development

Hayes made his MLB debut with the Pirates on September 1, 2020, during the shortened COVID season. He immediately turned heads, hitting .376 with 5 home runs and 11 RBIs in just 24 games.

That debut created a real buzz among Pirates fans hungry for hope during a tough rebuild.

The 2021 season didn’t go as smoothly. Hayes injured his wrist in the second game and landed on the injured list for a long stretch.

When he returned, he struggled to find his rookie form. But his defense at third base stayed elite.

In 2022, Hayes started to find his footing at the big-league level. His glove work stayed Gold Glove-worthy, and his bat showed steady improvement.

He joined outfielder Bryan Reynolds to form a promising young core as the Pirates tried to climb out of their rebuild.

Role with the Pittsburgh Pirates

Hayes locked in his future with the Pirates by signing an eight-year, $70 million contract extension in April 2022. It’s the biggest financial commitment in team history, showing just how much they believe in him.

Despite the contract, Hayes sometimes pops up in trade rumors when the Pirates fall out of contention. His defensive stats at third base rank among the best, so contending teams like the Cubs have reportedly shown interest.

As of 2024, Hayes makes $7 million annually, and his salary will rise to $10 million by 2025. He hasn’t made an All-Star team yet, but his defense keeps him in the mix for some big awards.

Contract Details and Salary

Ke’Bryan Hayes nailed down a historic contract with the Pirates in 2022. The deal marks a huge commitment from the organization to their young third baseman.

Current Contract Terms

Hayes plays under an eight-year, $70 million extension he signed with Pittsburgh on April 7, 2022. The contract became official a few days later and covers him through the 2029 season, with a club option for 2030.

This contract set a new record as the richest deal in Pirates history. Clearly, the team wants Hayes as a franchise pillar.

For 2025, Hayes will earn $10 million, which is a big chunk of the Pirates’ payroll. The deal gives Hayes financial security and gives the Pirates cost certainty through what would have been his arbitration years and the start of his free agency.

Arbitration and Free Agency

By signing long-term, Hayes skipped the usual salary arbitration process that most young players go through. Without this contract, he’d still be in arbitration in 2025 and probably making less than $10 million.

The contract also covers two years past when Hayes would have hit free agency—players usually reach free agency after six full seasons. So the Pirates locked him in for what would have been his first two free-agent years.

The club option for 2030 gives the Pirates even more control if Hayes keeps performing. This setup could extend their window with Hayes while he’s still in his prime.

Salary Progression Over the Years

Hayes’ salary has climbed steadily since he signed his extension. The contract is backloaded, which is pretty common for MLB long-term deals.

When Hayes first reached the majors, he earned close to the league minimum. After the extension, his salary started to rise:

• 2022: $2 million (first year of extension)
• 2023: $5 million
• 2024: $7 million (Baseball Reference)
• 2025: $10 million (current season)

The rest of Hayes’ contract will keep increasing, reflecting both his growing experience and the rising market. This structure helps the Pirates manage payroll while rewarding Hayes as he becomes more of a veteran.

Net Worth and Financial Profile

Ke’Bryan Hayes has built up significant wealth during his time with the Pittsburgh Pirates. His money comes from his major league contract and some endorsement deals that have padded his net worth even more.

Earnings from Playing Career

Hayes signed a huge eight-year, $70 million contract with the Pirates in April 2022. It’s the biggest contract in team history and secures his financial future through 2029, with a club option for 2030.

He earns $10 million a year, which gives him steady income during his prime. The Pirates made a big bet on him as part of their young core.

Hayes’ total net worth sits at about $72.5 million, according to financial reports. That includes his career earnings and investments.

His contract also includes bonuses and incentives for things like All-Star appearances and Gold Glove awards, which could boost his earnings even more.

Endorsements and Sponsorships

On top of his salary, Hayes has picked up money from endorsement deals with sporting goods companies. He partners with equipment brands for gloves and batting gear, using his reputation as a top defensive third baseman.

Local Pittsburgh businesses have also reached out for endorsements, seeing him as a long-term face of the franchise. He appears in community events and local ads.

Hayes keeps a modest social media presence, which opens up more marketing opportunities with brands looking to connect with baseball fans. His engagement with followers makes him appealing to companies targeting that crowd.

Unlike some bigger-name players, Hayes chooses his endorsement deals carefully. He focuses on quality partnerships that fit his brand and playing style.

Personal Life and Off-Field Activities

Ke’Bryan Hayes doesn’t just shine on the field—he leads a pretty balanced life with interests and commitments outside baseball. His community work, charity efforts, and hobbies show a well-rounded guy who cares about making a positive impact.

Community Involvement

Hayes has become an active part of the Pittsburgh community since joining the Pirates. He often takes part in the team’s outreach programs, visiting local schools to promote education and physical activity.

During the offseason, Hayes runs baseball clinics for underprivileged kids in his hometown of Tomball, Texas, where he went to Concordia Lutheran High School. These clinics focus on baseball skills and on building character and leadership.

Hayes has taken a special interest in supporting ecological restoration in Pittsburgh. He partners with local environmental groups to plant trees and clean up parks.

His passion for the environment comes from his childhood exploring nature in Texas.

Charity and Philanthropy

After signing his $70 million contract extension in April 2022, Hayes ramped up his philanthropic work. He launched the Hayes Family Foundation, which supports children facing health crises and their families.

The foundation has raised over $500,000 through annual charity events, including a celebrity golf tournament that draws MLB players and local celebrities. These funds mainly go to children’s hospitals in Pittsburgh and Houston.

Hayes also joins MLB-wide efforts like “Players for the Planet,” showing his commitment to the environment. After the 2023 season, he donated equipment to youth baseball programs in underserved communities.

Interests Beyond Baseball

When he’s not on the field, Hayes dives into a bunch of personal interests that help him stay sane in a high-pressure career.

He’s an avid reader and often throws out book recommendations on leadership and personal development to his followers.

Hayes loves space exploration. He’s visited NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Texas more than once.

Honestly, that fascination probably started when he was a kid going to Space Camp.

He’s also a pretty enthusiastic gamer. You’ll catch him jumping into video game tournaments with teammates during those long road trips.

Cooking has caught his attention lately, too. He shares his kitchen experiments on Instagram—usually healthy recipes that help him keep up his athletic performance.

Photography gives Hayes another way to unwind. He likes to document his offseason travels, especially when he finds cool natural landscapes or wildlife to shoot.