BRADENTON, Fla. — Ke’Bryan Hayes, the third baseman for the Pittsburgh Pirates, acknowledges that he is not completely free of pain, and he might never reach that point. However, after struggling with a bothersome lower-back issue that restricted him to just 97 games during the 2024 season, he now feels a sense of renewed hope. While he admits he may not ever be at “100%,” Hayes believes he can come remarkably close to it.
“For us to succeed as a team, I need to excel in my role,” Hayes stated on Wednesday. He emphasized the importance of power-hitting at third base, suggesting his ability to hit doubles and home runs is crucial for the team’s chances of making the playoffs. The Pirates, who did not make significant moves during the offseason to boost an under-performing offense, are keen on Hayes returning to his previous form. To aid this process, the team directed him to Dr. Robert Watkins in Los Angeles, who advised Hayes to strengthen his core muscles to alleviate pressure on his back.
The regimen Dr. Watkins recommended posed a steep learning curve for Hayes. “I was skeptical at first, thinking, ‘Is this really going to help me?’” Hayes reflected. Many of the exercises required him to put his trust in the process and focus intently on his movements. His commitment extended beyond gym sessions; over the past few months, Hayes has retrained himself in everyday actions like sitting in a car or lifting objects, all with the goal of minimizing his discomfort.
“This is the challenge I have,” he explained, a challenge that the Pirates are relying on him to face up to as they look to build around their standout pitcher, Paul Skenes, the reigning National League Rookie of the Year.
When he is performing at his peak, Hayes is not only an elite defender but also a formidable presence at the plate. Unfortunately, during the 2024 season, his lower back issues began to surface during spring training, hampering his performance. Despite his attempts to push through, the physical demands of playing third base and the mechanics of his swing became overwhelming. As a result, his defensive skills dipped, and his power at the plate diminished significantly. Hayes ended the season with a disappointing batting average of .233 and recorded only 13 extra-base hits before being placed on the injured list in late August, as the team fell out of playoff contention with a 76-86 finish.
“I grew up never missing games; it was foreign for me,” the 28-year-old said. “To find peace of mind, I have to stay on the field. Being on the IL is frustrating. You feel like you aren’t contributing.”
The Pirates have remained positive about Hayes since they drafted him in the first round. He became a cornerstone of the franchise when they signed him to an eight-year contract in the spring of 2022. His performance in 2023, where he posted a .271 batting average with 15 home runs and 61 RBIs, had fans excited, but the subsequent drop-off in 2024 was disheartening.
“Last year was tough for him,” commented general manager Ben Cherington. “If he can return closer to the form we saw in ’22 and ’23, it will greatly benefit the team.”
Over the offseason, Hayes redesigned his swing technique, concentrating on finishing his swings with both hands firmly on the bat to reduce strain on his side. This adjustment is anticipated to assist him in avoiding pitches that are outside of the strike zone. The initial results from his adjustments have been encouraging, yet he remains cautiously optimistic.
Reintegrating himself onto the field is just one part of the equation; maintaining consistent play is another uphill battle. The daily routine advised by Dr. Watkins is time-intensive, and Hayes has learned that he can’t simply expect to wake up pain-free and resume his career—the reality is he may never fully escape these challenges.
“I understand this will require significant work going forward,” Hayes stated. “But that’s the challenge I’m ready to take on.”
