Ke’Bryan Hayes Has Shot at More Than Just Gold Glove (+)
Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes has established himself as one of the better defensive players in the league. He’s a Gold Glove finalist again this year for a reason.
In fact, he’s likely the frontrunner to take home the award for the first time in his career. If he does, he would become the first Pirates’ third baseman in franchise history who is able to call himself a Gold Glove recipient.
While a Gold Glove is certainly a high honor, Hayes has an opportunity to take home even more hardware.
Starting in 2011, Major League Baseball began awarding the Platinum Glove, which goes to the top overall defender, regardless of position, in both the National and American League through fan voting. Since its inception, no Pirates’ player has won it.
Nolan Arenado has been awarded the Platinum Glove in each of the previous six seasons in the National League. However, for the first time in his now 11-year career, Arenado won’t be winning a Gold Glove, leaving the door open for someone else.
There are a handful of candidates in the Senior Circuit to replace Arenado this year, and Hayes is right in the mix.
Looking at the Fangrpahs leaderboards, Hayes was third in baseball with 21 defensive runs saved in 2023, trailing only San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (26) and Cleveland Guardians second baseman Andrés Giménez (23).
While Tatis had the edge in defensive runs saved, Hayes leads him in Outs Above Average 17 to 11. In fact, Hayes was tied for fourth in baseball in OAA behind Thairo Estrada (Giants) and Dansby Swanson (Cubs), who each had 20, and Giménez, who had 18.
Hayes and Swanson were the only two players in the National League who were in the top five in each category.
Looking at the more traditional stats, Hayes was also impressive in that regard. In 365 chances across 122 games played at third base, Hayes only committed six errors, good for a .984 fielding percentage. With players who accumulated at least 1,000 innings at the hot corner, that mark was the top amongst all National League third baseman and was second in baseball behind the Texas Rangers’ Josh Jung.
Looking at the possible finalists, it should come down to one of Hayes, Tatis or Swanson. A case could be made for all three players. Looking at the numbers, if I had to guess, I would surmise that Swanson is the frontrunner, but Hayes and Tatis both have worthy stats.
It may be a bit of an uphill climb for Hayes, but it would not come as a shock if he won, nor would there be much backlash.
Hayes’ teammates and coaches sung his praises all year long when it came to defense, and his manager was at the forefront.
“This guy is so good and so elite there that I think we’ve talked about it numerous times that we get spoiled in Pittsburgh because of the things that he does and we just expect him to do,” Derek Shelton said. “I think I started this case probably three years ago and will continue on it. I think it’s just unfortunate that he hasn’t won a Gold Glove and hope that this is the year that he gets recognized and wins it.”
The Gold Glove sure seems like a lock, and who knows? Maybe he will get even more shiny hardware to put on his mantle this offseason.
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