The impact of the new Philadelphia Phillies outfielder, Austin Hays, changes the outlook of the team’s trade deadline. Hays, acquired from the Baltimore Orioles on July 26, gives the Phillies the right-handed outfield bat they have desired. The Phillies sent relief pitcher Seranthony Domínguez and outfielder Cristian Pache to the Orioles in exchange for Hays. It is anticipated that Hays will platoon with Brandon Marsh in left field. However, Hays is not a player that has been heavily connected to the Phillies in recent weeks.
It is interesting to see a deal between two of the best teams in baseball. Furthermore, it is notable that all three players involved in the deal are experienced major league players. It is not surprising to see Pache involved in this trade. Pache would be the odd one out in the Phillies outfield from the get-go. However, trading Domínguez is somewhat surprising. Even though Domínguez has a 4.75 ERA this season and an 86 ERA+, his contract makes this very unexpected. There is a team option next season, and Domínguez is making almost $4 million this season.
Impact Of New Phillies Outfielder
Lineup Fit
The impact of Hays, a new Phillies outfielder, mostly comes into play against left-handed starting pitchers. Overall, in 63 games this season, Hays has a score of .255/.316/.395 line with three home runs and 14 RBI. This season, Hays has a 106 OPS+ and a 103 wRC+. This season against left-handed pitchers, Hays has a .894 OPS and a 154 wRC+ in 64 at-bats. In 624 career at-bats against left-handed pitchers, Hays has a .791 OPS and a 118 wRC+ to add to that. Furthermore, Hays will probably bat fifth or sixth in the order against left-handed pitchers based on the current Phillies lineup against left-handed pitchers.
Defensively in left field, Hays has 13 Defensive Runs Saved in his career, per FanGraphs. However, Hays has a career -1 Fielding Run Value and -7 Outs Above Average in left field, according to FanGraphs. This season has been the worst for Hays defensively in left field. This season, Hays has -4 Defensive Runs Saved in left field per FanGraphs. Hays also has a -2 Fielding Run-Value and -1 Out Above Average in left field this season, per FanGraphs. That said, it is worth noting that Baseball Savant ranks Hays in the 87th percentile in arm strength while being in the 27th percentile in arm value this season.
Bullpen Impact And Potential Additional Moves
Trading Domínguez will impact the Phillies bullpen. It is reasonable to assume a trade for a relief pitcher is coming. The Phillies have not called anyone from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to fill the open 26-man roster spot. Five pitchers on the 40-man roster are not already on the 26-man roster. After the trade, the Phillies have three open spots on the 40-man roster. This would allow someone not currently on the 40-man roster to be called up without any additional corresponding move. Moreover, with three open spots, trade flexibility is available as well.
It now becomes likely that the Phillies will trade for multiple high-leverage relief pitchers. Adding to the high-leverage group of José Alvarado, Matt Strahm, and Jeff Hoffman remains a priority. Whether that is a true closer, a setup man, or a combination remains to be seen. Furthermore, with Hays being added this early, we should not rule out the possibility of the Phillies trading for an everyday centerfielder. The timing of this trade and the players have given up indicated a larger move may come. Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski has a history of making blockbuster trades.
Main Photo Credits: Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports
