Pirates Take Prep 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes At #32

Pittsburgh got the #32 selection as a comp round pick for losing Russ Martin, and they chose Texas prep (Concordia Lutheran HS, Tomball/Houston TX) 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes, 18, son of ex-Bucco and 14 year MLB player Charlie Hayes. He batted .436 with 16 doubles and three home runs for his HS this year and was an Under Armour All-America.

Ke'Bryan & pappa Charlie Hayes (photo via Student Sports)

Hayes has a commitment to Tennessee, but is expected to be a signable pick. He's a big kid - 6'1", 205 lbs - with a good bat. Ke'Bryan isn't real athletic, and projects as a corner IF/OF player in the show. Hayes, for his size, doesn't project as a power guy, but an all-fields double machine who can lose mistake pitches. He's another hard working, high baseball IQ pick, not too surprising considering his bloodlines.

Ke'Bryan was chosen for his batting skills and is expected to be a high average hitter. He'll need coached up in the field - he lost 10 pounds this season, and the Bucs will work his conditioning - but is expected to be a capable defender, and the Pirates aren't real deep in organizational corner infielders.