Is it worth collecting Ke’Bryan Hayes rookie cards? Let’s take a look at how he has performed in Pittsburg so far. 

Despite missing out on a chunk of playing time due to injury for a second year running, Ke’Bryan Hayes ended up finishing as the runner up for the 2022 NL Gold Glove award at third base.

He made his MLB debut in 2020 for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and signed an eight-year, $70 million extension in April 2022. 

Here’s a roundup with three of Hayes’ best rookie and prospect cards, as we look at whether they’re worth collecting.

The Best Ke’Bryan Hayes Rookie Cards

We’ve narrowed it down to three top options, based on values, rarity, and branding. 

3. 2021 Topps Chrome Update Sapphire Ke’Bryan Hayes RC #KH (eBay)

Found in the exclusive 2021 Topps Chrome Update Series Sapphire Edition Baseball collection, Hayes has a card in the Rookie Autographs subset. 

As always, the Sapphire release is online-only, and mimics the base 2021 Topps Chrome Update set in terms of design. It was made available to 2022 Topps 582 Montgomery Club members via pre-sale. 

The addition of an autograph is a major selling point, and it’s easy to identify due to the unique Sapphire background. 

• Parallels: Green #/50, Orange #/25, Purple #/10, Red #/5, SuperFractor 1/1

Check prices of 2021 Topps Chrome Update Ke’Bryan Hayes RC on eBay

2. 2021 Topps Chrome Sapphire Ke’Bryan Hayes RC #RA-KH (eBay)

2021 Topps Chrome Sapphire Edition Baseball is another exclusive version of a base set, improving on the 2021 Topps Chrome Baseball collection. Once again, you’ll be looking for the signed Refractor parallels, which have been given a Sapphire finish. In many respects, it’s similar to the Topps Update Hayes RC seen above, with different placements for the various logos. The player is shown in a simple batting pose.

• Parallels: Green #/50, Orange #/25, Purple #/10, Red #/5, SuperFractor 1/1

Check prices of 2021 Topps Chrome Sapphire Ke’Bryan Hayes RC on eBay

1. 2015 Bowman Chrome Draft Ke’Bryan Hayes RC #BCA-KHA (eBay)

Finally, we head back in time to 2015 Bowman Draft Baseball. 

The Chrome Draft Pick Prospect Autographs subset is always a great place to look for the most valuable baseball cards, thanks to a selection of rare Refractor parallels and strong brand awareness. 

This time, the action shot shows Hayes with a glove, rather than a bat. The 1st Bowman logo adds a lot of value, and there are also unsigned versions if you’re looking for a cheaper option. 

• Parallels: Refractor, Purple Refractor #/250, Green Refractor #/99, Gold Refractor #/50, Black Asia Refractor #/35, Orange Refractor #/25 (Hobby), Red Refractor #/5, SuperFractor 1/1, Printing Plates 1/1

Check prices of 2015 Bowman Chrome Draft Ke’Bryan Hayes RC on eBay

Are 2021 Ke’Bryan Hayes rookie cards worth money?

Yes. Hayes’ best RCs are starting to pick up pace, but only if you’re looking at the rarest numbered parallels. There aren’t many sales for over $500, even if the former first round pick signed the largest contract in franchise history in April 2022.

He’s not the biggest hitter, sometimes struggling for the right angle at the plate. Defensively minded players tend to be shunned in favor of more attacking options. It’ll be tough to match up to his dad (Charlie Hayes), who won the World Series in 1996.

Ke’Bryan Hayes Rookie Cards: Final Thoughts 

Ke’Bryan Hayes rookie cards are some of the best you can find in 2021 sets. He’s one of the more accomplished players with a glove, even if it hasn’t been smooth sailing so far in the major leagues due to injury. If he can improve his hitting ever so slightly, he’ll be a real danger for the Pirates in 2023. That bodes well for his rookie card values, along with the BCP release from 2015.