Pittsburgh Pirates’ third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes has been making quite the impression in his rookie season, leading many to speculate whether he will take home the National League Rookie of the Year award. Hayes, who was the Pirates’ first-round draft pick in 2015, has been turning heads with his impressive play on both offense and defense.

One of the key factors working in Hayes’ favor is his outstanding performance at the plate. Through his first 50 games in the majors, Hayes has posted a solid .305 batting average with an impressive .374 on-base percentage. He has also shown a knack for getting on base, drawing walks and using his speed to steal bases.

Defensively, Hayes has been equally impressive. He has shown excellent range at third base, making several highlight-reel plays with his glove. His strong arm and quick reflexes have helped him become a reliable defender for the Pirates.

In addition to his on-field performance, Hayes has also shown a great deal of maturity and poise for a rookie. He has quickly earned the respect of his teammates and coaches with his work ethic and dedication to improving his game.

While there are other talented rookies in the National League this season, including Ian Anderson of the Atlanta Braves and Jake Cronenworth of the San Diego Padres, Hayes’ all-around game and impact on the Pirates make him a strong contender for the Rookie of the Year award.

Ultimately, whether or not Ke’Bryan Hayes wins the NL Rookie of the Year award will come down to how he finishes the season. If he can continue to produce at a high level and help lead the Pirates to some key victories down the stretch, he will certainly be in the conversation for the prestigious award. Only time will tell if Hayes can solidify his case as the top rookie in the National League.