The Orioles made a notable adjustment to their outfield, trading one of their longest-tenured players, and bolstered their bullpen today by finalizing their first trade ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.
Austin Hays was traded to the Phillies in exchange for reliever Seranthony Domínguez and outfielder Cristian Pache. To make space on the 40-man roster, minor league pitcher Levi Stoudt was designated for assignment.
Hays, drafted in the third round of the 2016 draft from Jacksonville University, made his MLB debut the following September and started in last year’s All-Star Game. Throughout his career, he has struggled with injuries, playing 63 games this season with a .255/.316/.395 slash line, including 13 doubles, three home runs, and 14 RBIs in 175 plate appearances.
Adjusting to a part-time role was challenging for Hays, who played in 557 games with the Orioles over seven seasons. The rise of Colton Cowser and the reshuffling with Heston Kjerstad and Kyle Stowers limited his playing opportunities.
The Phillies may use Hays in a platoon with Brandon Marsh before he enters his final year of arbitration eligibility.
Hays ranks in the top 50 in Orioles history for doubles (36th with 121), runs (47th with 269), home runs (tied for 47th with 66), and RBIs (49th with 242).
Domínguez, 29, has an $8 million club option for 2025 or can become a free agent. He has a 4.75 ERA and 1.222 WHIP in 38 appearances, with 40 strikeouts in 36 innings. Overall, he has posted a 3.55 ERA and 1.187 WHIP in 230 games, averaging 1.0 home runs and 10.3 strikeouts per nine innings, with 28 saves as an alternative behind Craig Kimbrel.
Last month at Camden Yards, the Orioles faced Domínguez twice, where he retired all six batters, striking out five, and secured his first save in the 11th inning.
His four-seam fastball and sinker average around 98 mph, with his 97.6 fastball average ranking in the top five percent in the majors, according to Statcast.
Pache, a free agent after the 2027 season, is a right-handed bat replacing Hays. However, he has not been very productive, with a career .179/.243/.272 line in 213 games over five seasons with the Braves, Athletics, and Phillies. This year, he was 21-for-104 (.202).
Pache can play all three outfield positions, mainly center field, where he has made 160 appearances. This season, he has recorded three defensive runs saved and four outs above average.
Two of the best teams in baseball made an agreement today, and the Orioles are likely not finished as they seek at least one starting pitcher and potentially another reliever and right-handed hitter.
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