The Philadelphia Phillies non-tendered outfielder Austin Hays on November 22. Hays was traded to the Phillies by the Baltimore Orioles on July 26. During his stint with the Phillies Hays was on the injured list multiple times. The first stint was for a hamstring injury. Hays then had a kidney infection shortly after returning from the injured list. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic recently spoke to Hays about the kidney infection. Hays was able to return from the kidney infection in time to play in the postseason. During the Phillies’ brief postseason appearance, Hays played in two NLDS games. Hays did not record a hit in either game.
The Philadelphia Phillies non-tendered outfielder Austin Hays on November 22. Hays was initially traded to the Phillies by the Baltimore Orioles on July 26.
Austin Hays Might Be a Surprise Steal
Hays had a .255/.303/.396 line with five home runs and 20 RBI in 85 games in 2024. He also recorded a 98 wRC+ and a .318 BABIP last season. Hays struggled with plate discipline, posting a 23.1 percent strikeout rate and a 3.5 percent walk rate. Defensively, he recorded -8 Defensive Runs Saved, -3 Outs Above Average, and a -4 Fielding Run-Value in left field. Despite these challenges, Hays has shown promise in his career. He was named an All-Star in 2023 and has proven to be a valuable outfield platoon option.
While he has struggled against right-handed pitchers, posting a career 61 wRC+, he has excelled against left-handed pitchers, with a career 167 wRC+. This platoon split was evident during his time with the Phillies, where he platooned with Brandon Marsh.
Spotrac projects that Hays will receive a one-year $10.8 million dollar contract. Heading into his age-29 season Hays is a prime candidate for a one-year prove-it deal. Given that Hays is coming off of a season where he had three injured list stints it is unlikely he receives a multi-year deal. Hays received a $6.3 million dollar contract in arbitration with the Orioles last offseason. If Hays had not been non-tendered he would not be a free agent. Hays was scheduled to be in his last year of arbitration this offseason.
Spotrac projects Hays will receive a one-year contract worth $10.8 million. In terms of market value, Spotrac ranks Hays 7th among left fielders and 130th overall. As Hays enters his age-29 season, he is a prime candidate for a one-year “prove it” deal. Last offseason, Hays received a $6.3 million contract in arbitration with the Baltimore Orioles. He was scheduled to be in his final year of arbitration this offseason before being non-tendered by the Phillies.
Potential Landing Spots
Kansas City Royals
With Tommy Pham and Robbie Grossman being free agents the Royals are a logical landing spot for Hays. After trading pitcher Brady Singer to the Cincinnati Reds for infielder Jonathan India the Royals will likely continue adding to their lineup. Hays could fit into the Royals lineup on a one-year deal. It is reasonable to believe that neither Pham nor Grossman will re-sign with the Royals. Hays is also younger than both of them. The Royals are an interesting potential landing spot for Hays this offseason.
The Royals are a logical landing spot for Hays. With Tommy Pham and Robbie Grossman entering free agency, the Royals have a need for outfield depth. The recent trade of pitcher Brady Singer for infielder Jonathan India suggests the Royals are looking to bolster their lineup. Hays, on a one-year deal, could fit well into the Royals’ plans.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates are another team that could be a good fit for Austin Hays. After non-tendering Bryan De La Cruz, their outfield trade deadline acquisition, the Pirates have a clear need for outfield depth. With veteran outfielders Andrew McCutchen and Michael A. Taylor also entering free agency, the Pirates are likely looking to upgrade their outfield. Hays, who is expected to receive a shorter-term contract, could be an attractive option for the Pirates.
Given the Pirates’ rebuilding status, they may be willing to take a chance on Hays, hoping he can regain his 2023 All-Star form in 2025. With a smaller, short-term contract, the risk would be relatively low for the Pirates. As a result, Pittsburgh presents an intriguing potential landing spot for Hays this offseason.
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