It has been a tough 30 years to be a Pittsburgh Pirates fan. 

After being one inning away from defeating the Atlanta Braves in game 7 of the 1992 NLCS, the Pirates blew a three-run lead and were eliminated from the playoffs. 

Pittsburgh would not have another losing season for 20 years, the longest stretch of losing seasons in North American sports history. 

The Pirates had three winning seasons, 2013-15, but never advanced past the NLDS. 

And they have not had a winning season since. 

So, when it was announced shortly before opening day that the Pirates had signed third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes to the highest-paid contract in Pirates’ history, it was plenty reason for fans to celebrate. 

Pittsburgh is not known as a team to give out big contracts to its players, the previous highest was to former catcher Jason Kendall back in 2000, but the eight-year deal worth $70 million is the second largest contract in MLB history for a player that only has between one and two years of service time. 

Hayes was the Bucs’ second pick in the 2015 MLB draft, selected 32nd overall in the compensatory round. He quickly worked his way up through the majors, and in 2018 he hit .293/.375/.444 with the Double-A Altoona Curve. 

Hayes made his major league debut in September of 2020; in 95 plate appearances he .376/.442/.682 and received five votes for the National League Rookie of the Year award. 

He only appeared in 96 games last season due to a wrist injury, and he didn’t have quite the same season as his debut month, slashing .257/.316/.373. A lot of that can be blamed on his injury which he suffered just two games into the season.

Hayes presents an outstanding level with his ability to reach base, and he is one of the best in all of baseball at finding gaps in the outfield to slap the ball into. 

He is a phenomenal third baseman, making hard plays look routine. His ability to set his feet quickly and get an accurate throw out is unlike any other. Hayes also is fast on his feet, allowing him to get to a ball that may be out of reach for many other third baseman in the league. 

Hayes is one of the most fun prospects the Pirates have had since Andrew McCutchen, and to know he will be here throughout the rest of the decade is a luxury Pirates fans haven’t been able to find with many other players. 

Pittsburgh is in the midst of a rebuild, but with an eight-year contract it looks like Hayes will most likely be here when the Pirates are able to contend for a playoff run again. 

Hayes will be in the prime of his career while in those eight years, so signing a contract to stay in the ‘burgh for the majority of that time shows the faith he has in this organization to win down the road.

And that should give some Bucs’ fans some reason to have faith as well.

Statistics courtesy of Baseball Reference