Height
5'11"
Weight
215 lbs
Age
29
College
N/A
Draft
2015, Rd 1, #32
Experience
6 yrs
Bats/Throws
R/R
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsF
| Year | Team | GP | AVG | HR | RBI | OPS | SB | H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 636 | 0.251591 | 42 | 225 | 0.6716622 | 63 | 593 |
Current Contract
Length
8 years
Total Value
$70.0M
Guaranteed
$42.0M
AAV
$8.8M/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
The Reds' eight-year, $8.8M AAV commitment to Ke'Bryan Hayes earns a C- CVI, reflecting a significant overpay for what projects as rotational-level production at third base. While Hayes brings elite defensive metrics that have historically translated to 2-3 WAR seasons, locking up a player trending toward replacement-level offensive output for nearly a decade represents questionable resource allocation for a rebuilding franchise. At $70+ million guaranteed, Cincinnati is betting heavily that Hayes can recapture his early-career form, but recent performance suggests he's settling into a defensive specialist role that typically commands half this annual value. The Reds would have been better served pursuing shorter-term flexibility or investing these dollars in their promising farm system, especially given third base's relative depth in the current market. This contract structure hamstrings their payroll flexibility during what should be their competitive window in the mid-to-late 2020s, making it a classic case of paying for past performance rather than future projection.
Fan & Media Sentiment
Ke'Bryan Hayes, a third baseman for the Reds, carries mixed-to-positive public sentiment based on their solid contributions. His B performance grade positions him as a solid contributor at the third baseman position. His accolades include Gold Glove, Gold Glove, adding to his standing and public recognition. On a contract worth $8.8M/year, the mid-range salary creates reasonable expectations for solid contributions. Fan opinion is divided, with some appreciating his potential while others point to inconsistencies that temper enthusiasm. At 29, entering his prime window, the outlook remains positive as he approaches or occupies his peak years.
Recent Games
| Date | OPP | Result | AB | H | R | HR | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, 4/10 | vs LAA | L 2-10 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Wed, 4/8 | @ MIA | L 4-7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
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