Ranking the 10 worst contracts in the National League Central Division

4) Ke'Bryan Hayes

Contract Remaining after 2024: Five years, $37M

Ranked as the number nine prospect in the MLB in 2021, Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes was once viewed as a future cornerstone for the franchise.

The Pirates locked Hayes into a seven-year, $70M deal before the start of his second season, but the returns on that contract have been subpar.

Since signing the contract Hayes has hit only 26 home runs while driving in 127 runs in 356 games with the Pirates, well below the production they expected when locking him into a long-term deal.

Outside of his career year in 2023 that saw him slash .271/.309/.453 with career-highs in both home runs (15) and RBI (61) while winning the National League Gold Glove award at third base, his lack of development has been a major blow to the Pirates future outlook.

While the remainder of his contract could be considered team-friendly, Hayes is already being out-produced by the other third baseman on his team in Jared Triolo, who is making only $745,000 this season.

Hayes is one of the premier defensive third basemen in baseball, but that will only take you so far if he can't improve his production at the plate.

Although his contract won't deter the Pirates from future spending continue to be a major disappointment until he can turn things around offensively.