Phillies acquire OF Austin Hays from O's for Domínguez, Pache

July 26, 2024, 6:30 p.m. Sports

The Philadelphia Phillies have made a significant move to bolster their outfield by acquiring outfielder Austin Hays from the Baltimore Orioles. In exchange, the Orioles received highly-touted prospects Adonis Domínguez and Cristian Pache from the Phillies.

Hays, a 26-year-old outfielder, has shown flashes of brilliance during his time with the Orioles. Known for his strong arm and defensive prowess, Hays also possesses power at the plate and the ability to hit for average. In 2021, he posted a .254 batting average with 22 home runs and 65 RBIs in 131 games for the Orioles. Hays is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the Phillies' outfield depth and could potentially slot into the starting lineup on a regular basis.

On the other hand, Domínguez and Pache are two young prospects with immense potential. Domínguez, a 19-year-old right-handed pitcher, is ranked as the Phillies' top pitching prospect and has drawn comparisons to some of the game's elite pitchers. With a fastball that touches triple digits and a devastating slider, Domínguez has the makings of a future ace at the major league level. Pache, a 23-year-old outfielder, is known for his exceptional speed and defensive skills in the outfield. While he is still developing offensively, Pache has shown promise as a potential five-tool player in the making.

The trade represents a calculated risk for both teams. The Phillies are banking on Hays' ability to contribute immediately at the major league level and provide a much-needed upgrade in the outfield. Meanwhile, the Orioles are acquiring two highly-regarded prospects in Domínguez and Pache, who could form the core of their future roster. It will be interesting to see how each player progresses in their new environments and how the trade ultimately pans out for both teams.

For the Phillies, the addition of Hays addresses a glaring need in the outfield, where they have been lacking in production and consistency in recent years. With Hays in the fold, the Phillies now boast a formidable outfield trio with Hays joining Bryce Harper and Andrew McCutchen. This move not only strengthens their lineup but also provides much-needed depth and versatility in the outfield.

As for the Orioles, the acquisition of Domínguez and Pache adds to an already impressive crop of young talent in their farm system. With an eye towards the future, the Orioles are building a foundation for sustained success by stockpiling young, high-upside prospects. Domínguez and Pache could potentially be key pieces in the Orioles' future plans as they continue their rebuilding process.

Overall, the trade between the Phillies and Orioles has the potential to shape the future of both organizations. While the Phillies are looking to make a playoff push in the short term with the addition of Hays, the Orioles are focused on building a sustainable contender through the acquisition of promising prospects. Only time will tell how this trade ultimately plays out, but one thing is certain - both teams are making bold moves to improve their respective futures.