As the MLB season progresses, the race for the National League Rookie of the Year award is heating up. One player who has been a standout in his rookie campaign is Pittsburgh Pirates’ third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes.

Hayes burst onto the scene in 2020 with a strong showing in his limited playing time, but he has truly made a name for himself this season. The 24-year-old has been a consistent force at the plate, boasting a .292 batting average with 5 home runs and 22 RBIs in just 45 games played.

Not only has Hayes been impressive offensively, but he has also been a defensive stalwart at the hot corner. His exceptional glove work and strong arm have made him a valuable asset to the Pirates’ defense.

Despite missing some time due to injury earlier in the season, Hayes has quickly made up for lost time and has continued to make a strong case for the Rookie of the Year award. However, he is facing stiff competition from other talented rookies in the NL, such as Jonathan India of the Cincinnati Reds and Trevor Rogers of the Miami Marlins.

While Hayes may still be considered the front-runner for the award, it is far from a guarantee. With several weeks left in the season, anything can happen, and it will ultimately come down to how each rookie performs down the stretch.

Regardless of the outcome, Ke’Bryan Hayes has proven himself to be a promising young talent in the MLB and a player to watch for years to come. Pirates fans can look forward to seeing him continue to develop and make an impact on the field as he solidifies his place in the league.