Phillies acquire former All-Star Austin Hays from Baltimore

The Phillies made a significant move on Friday, acquiring outfielder Austin Hays from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for right-handed pitcher Seranthony Domínguez and outfielder Cristian Pache. The trade involves the division leaders from both leagues.

Hays, the starting center fielder in the 2023 American League All-Star Game, struggled early this season and landed on the injured list in April with a left calf strain. He has managed just three home runs and 14 RBIs in 63 games this year.

Baltimore, at 61-41, held a two-game lead over the Yankees in the AL East as of Friday. Meanwhile, the Phillies boast the best record in baseball at 64-38.

Hays was in Philadelphia but not in the lineup for Friday’s game against Cleveland. 

The 29-year-old, who isn't set to become a free agent until after the 2025 season, brings a career line of 121 doubles, eight triples, 66 home runs, 242 RBIs, and 126 walks over 557 games. He’s a solid hitter against left-handers, batting .272 with a .328 on-base percentage and a .463 slugging percentage.

Drafted by Baltimore in the third round of the 2016 MLB Draft, Hays experienced the Orioles' rebuild and was part of the team that won the AL East last year. In Philadelphia, he could find himself in a platoon with Brandon Marsh in left field as the Phillies push for their third consecutive playoff berth and first World Series title since 2008. 

Manager Rob Thomson mentioned Hays might even take over as the starting left fielder, shifting Marsh to a platoon role in center with the defensively stellar Johan Rojas.

Domínguez, 29, leaves the Phillies with 230 appearances over six seasons, posting a 4.25 ERA in 38 games this year. Pache, hitting .202 in 50 games, also heads to Baltimore.