The Pittsburgh Pirates don't have a recent history of success, but Ke'Bryan Hayes is thrilled to be a part of the franchise's future.

"To be a cornerstone player for the Pirates means a lot to me," the 25-year-old said Tuesday after a $70 million, eight-year contract was announced before Pittsburgh's home opener against the Chicago Cubs. "I feel like we have a lot of talent in the minor leagues and we're doing something special here."

Hayes, a son of former major leaguer Charlie Hayes, was a first-round pick in 2015.

His new contract calls for salaries of $10 million each in 2022 and 2023, $7 million apiece in 2024, 2025, 2026 and 2027, and $8 million each in 2028 and 2029. The Pirates have a $12 million option for 2030 with a $6 million buyout.