The Phillies found a platoon partner for Brandon Marsh from an unexpected source – another contending team.
The Philadelphia Phillies have found a platoon partner for Brandon Marsh in an unexpected move involving another contending team. On Friday afternoon, the Baltimore Orioles traded outfielder Austin Hays to the Phillies in exchange for reliever Seranthony Domínguez and outfielder Cristian Pache. Hays, 29, who played part-time for Baltimore in 2024, is expected to have a similar role with the Phillies. He has a strong track record against left-handed pitchers, hitting .328 with an .894 OPS this season and .272 with a .791 OPS for his career. Although he was an All-Star in 2023, Hays has seen reduced playing time in 2024, and the Orioles considered him a non-tender candidate for the upcoming offseason. He is currently earning $6.3 million for this season and has one more year of club control.
On the other hand, the Phillies were in a similar position with Seranthony Domínguez, who was a key bullpen arm during their World Series run two years ago but has since fallen down the depth chart due to struggles with consistency and a 4.75 ERA in 36 innings this season. The Phillies faced a tough decision on whether to exercise his $8 million club option for 2025. While Domínguez has maintained his velocity, his struggles with throwing consistent strikes, falling behind in the count, and a significant drop in his whiff rate have been evident. Nonetheless, the Orioles are betting on his potential, considering his postseason experience as a late-inning reliever and his pitching repertoire.
Pache had limited playing time as a reserve outfielder. As the trade deadline approached, the Phillies were looking to upgrade their outfield and his roster spot was in jeopardy. With Hays now in the picture, the team has a more balanced bench. Hays and Marsh are expected to share playing time in left field, with the possibility of Marsh seeing more time in center with Hays in left, especially if Hays performs well against right-handed pitchers. The extent of Hays’ playing time may impact Johan Rojas’s opportunities.
Hays has had success as a pinch hitter, going 6-for-13 with two doubles this season. In contrast, the entire Phillies team has managed only eight hits and three doubles from their pinch hitters in 2024.
By trading from their active roster, the Phillies held onto prospect capital to potentially acquire another reliever. They are actively exploring this trade market, according to sources familiar with the team.
Overall, in a seller’s market, two teams with championship aspirations successfully exchanged spare parts in a mutually beneficial trade.
