The Pirates announced Tuesday that they signed their 2015 supplemental first round draft pick, third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes from Concordia Lutheran High School in Texas.
Hayes, 18, is the son of former Pirate and long-time Major Leaguer Charlie Hayes. He hit .436 (41-of-94) with 16 doubles, one triple and three home runs and he stole 12 bases this past season.
Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said the team likes Hayes’ baseball pedigree as well as his versatility as a hitter. Hayes will begin his career with the Gulf Coast League Pirates.
“He is a young man that our scouts love so many of his attributes both on and off the field,” Huntington said at a news conference to introduce Hayes at PNC. “We love the way he swings the bat, he has tremendous barrel to the ball for a young hitter, we believe his power will come as he continues to mature.
“First and foremost, though, we want him to continue be a great hitter and we love his defense. We love his work ethic. This young man has grown up around the game.”
Terms of the deal were not disclosed but according to Jim Callis of MLB.Com, Hayes received a signing bonus of $1.855 million.
Hayes was flanked by his dad, mom and two brothers. He said the jump from high school to the minors will be a difficult one, but he said he has a great feel for what it takes to play baseball professionally.
“I can’t wait to get started,” Hayes said. “Having my dad play in the major leagues and being around the major league clubhouses, as a kid growing up around it, it has been awesome for me. This has always been my dream to play in the majors.
“Having my dad playing 14 years in the majors and having my brother play in the minors, I understand the daily grind of the minors and everything they taught me I have soaked it in and I am ready for the challenge.”
Paul Zeise: pzeise@post-gazette.com, 412-263-1720 and Twitter @paulzeise
First Published: June 16, 2015, 8:13 p.m.
