Phillies acquire former All-Star outfielder in trade with O's

Following the Seattle Mariners' splashy trade for Randy Arozarena, it appears that the MLB hot stove is officially turned on.

In a move to help bolster the Phillies' outfield, the team has acquired outfielder Austin Hays from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for right-handed pitcher Seranthony Domínguez and outfielder Cristian Pache.

After being named the starting center fielder in the 2023 All-Star game, Hays has seen his fair share of struggles in the 2024 campaign. Thanks to his inefficiency against right-handed pitching, Hays has shared playing time in the Orioles' crowded outfield. He will likely see a similar role in Philadelphia, platooning in left field with Brandon Marsh.

Despite sporting a respectable 2.7 WAR on the year, Marsh has been limited to starting primarily against RHP. The left-handed batting Marsh is hitting just .140 with a .371 OPS against lefty pitchers in 2024.

On the flip side, the right-handed hitting Hays is hitting .328 with a .894 OPS against southpaws. The former All-Star outfielder has also shown flashes of defensive brilliance in the past. In 2023, Hays ranked fourth among left fielders in the American League with six defensive runs saved. However, in 2024 Hays has shown a concerning regression in the outfield.

For the Orioles, Domínguez could prove to be a somewhat useful bullpen arm down the stretch. The 29-year-old has been hit hard this season with a 4.75 ERA to go along with his 1.222 WHIP. But the hard-throwing righty could be effective with a change of scenery.

With Pache, the Orioles strengthen their bench with a more than capable defender in late-inning situations.