Garrett Stubbs #21 of the Philadelphia Phillies
In a significant trade between two playoff contenders, the Baltimore Orioles have dealt outfielder Austin Hays to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for right-hander Seranthony Dominguez and outfielder Cristian Pache. The Orioles have also designated righty Levi Stoudt for assignment to create a spot on their 40-man roster, the team announced Friday.
This trade is notable not only for its timing but also for the quality of the players involved. It marks a rare move of major league talent between two teams with World Series aspirations.
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A Strategic Move for the Phillies
Austin Hays, a 29-year-old outfielder, brings a potent right-handed bat to Philadelphia. Though Hays has had an up-and-down season, his track record suggests he could provide a significant boost. An All-Star in 2023, Hays has struggled this year with a .255/.316/.395 slash line in 175 plate appearances. A calf strain sidelined him for nearly a month, contributing to his inconsistency. However, Hays has shown improvement since his return, hitting .313/.363/.509 in 125 plate appearances.
The Phillies are acquiring Hays to complement lefty-hitting Brandon Marsh in their outfield. While Hays has been primarily a corner outfielder this season, his ability to handle center field in a pinch could add flexibility. His prowess against left-handed pitching, with a .328/.394/.500 line this year and a lifetime .272/.328/.463 record, could be a valuable asset for the Phillies’ lineup.
Orioles Add Depth with Dominguez and Pache
The Orioles’ acquisition of Seranthony Dominguez addresses their need for experienced bullpen help. Despite a challenging 2024 season with a 4.75 ERA, Dominguez has a solid career track record, including a 3.31 ERA, 27 saves, and 52 holds. His high-velocity fastball and strong strikeout rate make him a promising addition to Baltimore’s bullpen. Dominguez’s performance has been uneven this year, but he could provide crucial leverage innings down the stretch.
Cristian Pache, also joining the Orioles, brings elite defensive skills. Known for his exceptional glovework, Pache has a .202/.288/.269 slash line this season and a career .179/.243/.272 mark. However, his defensive metrics are impressive, with 12 Defensive Runs Saved and 16 Outs Above Average in 1,334 career innings. Pache’s ability to play strong corner defense and serve as a true fourth outfielder adds depth to the Orioles’ roster.
Financial and Roster Implications
The financial implications of this trade are relatively balanced. The Phillies will take on approximately $297,000 in additional payroll, factoring in luxury tax implications. For the Orioles, the trade is nearly cash-neutral.
Levi Stoudt, the player designated for assignment by the Orioles, has had a turbulent season. After bouncing between the Reds, Mariners, and Orioles, Stoudt has struggled with command issues, posting a 4.26 ERA in Double-A with a 12.1 percent walk rate. The Orioles have until Tuesday’s trade deadline to move Stoudt or risk placing him on outright waivers.
This trade reflects the strategic adjustments both teams are making as they approach the latter part of the season. For the Phillies, Hays provides a valuable right-handed bat to bolster their outfield. For the Orioles, Dominguez and Pache enhance their bullpen and defensive depth, respectively. As both teams continue their pursuit of postseason success, this trade could play a pivotal role in shaping their rosters for the stretch run.
