PITTSBURGH — Rising up, Ke’Bryan Hayes was taught that he wasn’t going to get three or 4 hits each sport, however he might make an impression defensively each sport. Typically it’s so simple as making the routine play.
Then, there are performs just like the fifth inning on Thursday night time at PNC Park. Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes smacked a Mitch Keller slider up the road, the place Hayes was not solely capable of get to the ball to rob a possible extra-base hit, he was capable of hearth it throughout the diamond from foul territory for the out.
“Anytime he’s on the market on protection, he’s going to wow you,” supervisor Don Kelly mentioned. “He continues to make performs like that, that you simply don’t even assume are attainable, operating that onerous to the road and to have the ability to get that a lot on it to throw throughout your physique. He’s unbelievable over there.”
If that play appears acquainted, Hayes did one thing remarkably comparable in 2021, robbing Yadier Molina of successful with an ideal throw in opposition to his physique whereas tailing the wrong way. Hayes has referred to as that Molina play his favourite that he has made within the discipline, however provided that Paredes can run higher and the moist circumstances, there’s a case to be made that Thursday’s providing is simply as spectacular.
“It’s a loopy play,” mentioned Jared Triolo, a fellow Gold Glover who was on the receiving finish of Hayes’ throw. “I don’t assume persons are stunned anymore. I imply, moist ball, powerful play and he put it proper on the cash. It’s fairly spectacular.”
That flash of the leather-based was one of many few highlights within the Pirates’ 8-2 loss to the Astros, capping an evening that began with a three-hour, 22-minute rain delay and completed nicely after the clock struck midnight on the north shore of the Allegheny River. Between that point, Keller pitched into the seventh, however he allowed six runs and the offense struck out a season-high 16 occasions, 11 of them on the hand of Framber Valdez.
A 1-for-4 night time on the plate to go together with a stellar defensive play from Hayes wasn’t sufficient for the Pirates to take the collection, nevertheless it’s the latter contribution that might earn Hayes recognition on the finish of the season.
After falling simply wanting enjoying sufficient innings to qualify for a Gold Glove in 2021 and ending second to Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado in ‘22, Hayes lastly earned his {hardware} in ‘23. Again points restricted Hayes to 96 video games final yr and he was unable to defend his title. Whereas he was nonetheless good within the discipline, it wasn’t in keeping with his earlier seasons.
In 2022, Hayes was price 19 outs above common, in accordance with Baseball Savant. In ‘23, he had 18 OAA. Final season, Hayes had simply 6 OAA, which ranked simply seventh amongst certified defenders on the scorching nook.
This season, he’s again to setting the tempo defensively at his place. His 9 OAA thus far not solely has him on tempo for his greatest defensive season, it’s the fourth most within the Majors and probably the most amongst Nationwide League third basemen. Ryan McMahon is the following closest NL third baseman with 5 OAA, so Hayes has himself positioned to be a contender for the award, if not the entrance runner.
In fact, there are many elements in play. Hayes has been obtainable all season, which was a serious objective coming into the yr. To this point, so good, however there’s nonetheless a big portion of the season remaining. He additionally must proceed to play at that elite defensive tempo, which is all the time simpler mentioned than accomplished.
However performs like Thursday present that Hayes nonetheless has that elite means. Keller commented that the play was “up there for the most effective ones” he’s seen from Hayes.
After years of watching these performs (and generally being the beneficiary), is it even stunning at this level?
“I imply no, not in a manner, however when it is occurring proper earlier than your eyes, yeah, it is fairly superb,” Keller mentioned.
