The MLB trade deadline is still days away, but the Philadelphia Phillies aren't sitting on their hands and waiting to see how the weekend shakes out. On Friday afternoon, the team announced the first of what fans hope is a few deals leading up to the 6:00 p.m. ET deadline on July 30.
Phillies bolster outfield picture with Austin Hays in surprising three-player trade with Orioles
After all the names that had been rumored or suggested over the past few weeks in the Phillies' well-publicized search for a right-handed hitting outfielder, the one they ended up with comes as a surprise. The Phillies have acquired Austin Hays from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for right-handed reliever Seranthony Domínguez and right-handed hitting outfielder Cristian Pache.
The Phillies have acquired OF Austin Hays from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for RHP Seranthony Domínguez and OF Cristian Pache. Hays will wear No. 9.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 26, 2024
Hays, 29, is a former All-Star and will fill the void the Phillies have faced this season against left-handed pitching in the outfield. On the season, Hays is batting .255/.316/.395 in 63 games, with three home runs 14 RBI and 18 runs scored. While those numbers aren't incredibly inspiring, in 72 plate appearances against lefties, he's slashing .328/.394/.500 with a home run and a 154 wRC+.
The Phillies' newest outfielder, who will likely find time platooning with Brandon Marsh in left field, had a career-high 22 home runs in 2021. The change that the Orioles made to the left field wall at Camden Yards, pushing it back 20 feet, has sapped some of his power numbers over the last couple of seasons.
Hays comes with an extra year of control. The former third-round pick is arbitration-eligible in 2025 before he becomes a free agent. He also has MiLB options remaining, so he can be moved to the minors if necessary. That seems unlikely, however, as he's a huge upgrade over the now-departed Pache.
Phillies shipping Seranthony Domínguez and Cristian Pache to the Orioles
In return for Hays, the Phillies are sending Domínguez to join another former Phillie, Craig Kimbrel, in the Baltimore bullpen. The Phillies are finally moving on from the right-hander, who had been in the organization since 2011 and made his MLB debut in 2018. Despite flashing some tantalizing stuff, he hasn't been consistent this season. He leaves with a 4.75 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 36 innings with the Phillies this year.
Thank you for everything, Seranthony! Best of luck ❤️ pic.twitter.com/I7whJVnXfH
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 26, 2024
Domínguez's contract comes with a club option in 2025. He's out of MiLB options, so the Phillies made a shrewd move, getting something in return instead of possibly being forced to designate him for assignment eventually.
Pache, whose spot on the roster seemed to be in jeopardy heading into the deadline, has been underperforming from the bench this season. The former top prospect, who came to Philadelphia in a March 2023 trade, couldn't get things going at the plate this season, slashing .202/.288/.269 with a 36.4 percent strikeout rate in 118 plate appearances. He's arbitration-eligible through the 2027 season.