The Pirates have just signed Ke’Bryan Hayes to the most lucrative contract extension in team history. After that, he was hurt. What does this imply for the transaction?
The Pittsburgh Pirates have only made the playoffs three times in the last century, and they haven’t done so since 2015.
Following Thursday’s events, they may have little choice but to embrace the possibility that they are cursed.
Ke’Bryan Hayes signed an eight-year, $70 million contract extension just before the start of the 2022 season. It was meant to be a day of celebration.
Hayes didn’t have much time to enjoy his new contract. He damaged his wrist in the first inning and had to be replaced by Diego Castillo.
This is the play where Hayes appears to have hurt himself.
Ke’Bryan Hayes injured his wrist on this play and had to exit the game a few batters later
He just signed the largest contract in Pirates history today pic.twitter.com/SKQc7ipDHf
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 7, 2022
Can the Pirates get out of their contract deal with Ke’Bryan Hayes?
On Thursday, FanSided’s Robert Murray said that Hayes had not yet agreed to the deal, pending a physical.
So, theoretically, Pittsburgh might be able to get out of it.
Do they, however, want to?
The severity of Hayes’ injury is unknown, but it didn’t appear to be serious enough to warrant ripping up an eight-year contract.
The $70 million contract was the most lucrative in Pirates history, but it was also beneficial to the franchise. They didn’t have to spend a lot of money to have it done. It would be a major overreaction to undo it over what could be a minor injury.
Aside from that, it would be a complete disgrace for Pittsburgh to do so to a guy they were so eager to invest in just a few hours before.
The MLBPA would almost certainly have something to say about that, and the last thing the Pirates want to deal with is an ugly lawsuit.
Because of the injury, it isn’t a deal-breaker. It’s simply another reason for Pirates fans to sigh and complain about their lot in life. That’s what sports are for.
