Prior to playing professionally, he attended McKenzie High School in McKenzie, Tennessee, when he was drafted in the 29th round of the 2006 Major League Baseball Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks, a few picks ahead of outfielder Khris Davis.

In 2011, he was 2–2 with 22 saves and a 1.35 ERA in 51 games for the Dayton Dragons, striking out 89 batters and allowing only 29 hits in 60 frames.

For the fourth year in a row, he was with Pensacola to start 2015, but was promoted to the Triple–A Louisville Bats partway through the campaign.

To clear space for Hayes on the roster, the Reds designated right-hander Keyvius Sampson for assignment.

[10] On May 13, 2017, Hayes signed with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.

[11] Hayes was named the pitching coach for the Buffalo Bisons the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays for the 2024 season.