The Philadelphia Phillies had what can only be described as a workaday Trade Deadline. Fan favorites like Seranthony Dominguez saw their careers in Philly come to an abrupt end, and Christian Pache and Gregory Soto met a similar fate.
Prizes like Garrett Crochet or Randy Arozarena either stayed put or went west. It’s clear the Phillies didn’t make a move that would put them over the top – something made painfully clear as they ride out this five-game losing streak. Still, in typical Dave Dombroski fashion, minor tweaks and optimizations to an already impressive roster will have to do.
Now that Dombroski has the Baltimore Orioles on speed dial, outfielder Austin Hays would arguably be the Phillies’ shiniest new toy. Akin to the Brandon Marsh acquisition a year ago, it may not be the big name you’ve been praying for, but it’s not a bad seven-hole hitter.
As an All-Star in 2023, Hays seemed a cornerstone of a burgeoning, talented Orioles future. That young talent ultimately led to his demise as he struggled to keep pace. Hays finished the first two months of the 2024 season with a paltry .220 OBP and zero home runs – a far cry from a player who averaged one homer every 7.8 games from 2021-23.
With playing time dwindling, Dombrowski—who’s been open about his desire to acquire Hays for years—pulled the trigger, sending Dominguez and Pache (whom the Orioles have already DFA’d) south on I-95.
But enough history. We have a small sample size on Hays in Philadelphia but that won’t stop us from talking about it.
Who’s in left & who’s left out?
His .238 batting average through his first five appearances is nothing to write home about, but that hasn’t stopped him from making a splash. His fourth start in Philadelphia featured a home run and four RBIs against one of the best teams in the American League—the New York Yankees.
Mind you, a home run that wouldn’t have left the park at Camden Yards.
If he qualified, his .429 slugging would rank him fifth in the Phillies’ offense and you can’t deny that he’s certainly an upgrade from Pache’s .557 OPS, but his .701 OPS thus far is right in line with even Nick Castellanos and just -7% lower than Marsh’s.
At the very least, we can all agree he’s an offensive upgrade to Johan Rojas. So, while everyone continues to consider Marsh’s future role with the team, it seems more likely that Rojas would be the Phil that sees their playing time slip.
Dear Hays, Love Marsh
Did I mention Marsh was a Trade Deadline acquisition in 2023? I’m sorry—I’m feeling cheeky, and I’ve been editing for too long.
Well, with the addition of Hays, many have hypothesized that the former Oriole and Marsh would Mega-Morph into a super lefty-righty platoon in the outfield. PSN’s Kyle Fisher had the opportunity to chat with Marsh following the trade and asked as much:
‘I don’t really worry about the playing time. I feel like if you get caught up in that – the opportunities you do get, you’re gonna scuff them or lose it, or not make the most of the opportunity when it’s given to you so, – when my name is called, I go out there and give it all I can for the boys I ride with here and the city so, whatever nine names get put on that card is what we’re gonna go run with.’
And given the ‘passionate’ fanbase that accompanies any professional Philadelphia sports franchise, even if playing time could be in question, the fans might still be scarier than the bench. Marsh, no longer the new kid on the block, said of Hays:
‘We’re gonna welcome him just like I was welcomed – with open arms. Ya know, he’s gonna have a great opportunity here in Philadelphia. Like Top said, he’s gonna go out there every day to prove himself.‘
Well, since arriving in Philly, Hays has made his presence known. If you’re a Phillies fan, and we’ve seen this many times before, you’re hoping a change of scenery (and a shorter wall in left field) might revitalize the former All-Star.
Big thanks to Kyle Fisher for his one-on-one conversation with Brandon Marsh.
Photo Credit: Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
