Austin Hays
In order to have a successful trade deadline, key pieces that were acquired need to start paying dividends when the games matter most. That was probably what the Phillies had in mind when they went out to get Austin Hays from the Baltimore Orioles to solve their outfield situation — rather than some of the more highly-rumored targets at the time. The Phillies believed that Hays could provide the much-needed offensive boost to the lineup, along with providing steady defense in the outfield at the same time.
Since joining the Phillies, Hays has shown some spurts of brilliance in that regard but has yet to break out like how Jorge Soler has done for the Braves or Jazz Chisholm Jr. has for the New York Yankees. Injuries aside, Hays has posted a steady .254 average and .648 OPS, with seven runs scored, five doubles, one home run and five RBI over 19 games played.
Nevertheless, the Phillies certainly hope the best is yet to come, as Hays has proven to be a prolific hitter during the final month of the season in the past. With 66 runs scored, 20 home runs, 67 RBI, and 224 total bases in just 141 games in September/October, it has been by far the most productive month of his career. As a result, it's about time that Hays shows his true value to the team, as the Phillies will hope to see that kind of production from him down the stretch.