Phillies acquire Austin Hays from Orioles in trade for Seranthony Domínguez, Cristian Pache

The Phillies found their platoon partner for Brandon Marsh from an unexpected source — another contending team.

Two of the best teams in baseball found common ground Friday afternoon when the Baltimore Orioles dealt outfielder Austin Hays to the Philadelphia Phillies for reliever Seranthony Domínguez and outfielder Cristian Pache. Hays, 29, was a part-time player in 2024 for Baltimore and is expected to fill the same role with the Phillies. He’s hit .328 with an .894 OPS against left-handed pitchers this season. He’s hit .272 with a .791 OPS against them for his career. Hays was an All-Star in 2023 but has lost playing time in 2024. He is making $6.3 million this season and has one more year of club control. He was trending as a non-tender candidate this upcoming offseason for the Orioles.

The Phillies were in a similar position with Domínguez, who two years ago was one of their most-trusted bullpen arms as they raced to the World Series. But he’s fallen down the depth chart ever since because of an inability to throw consistent strikes. He has a 4.75 ERA in 36 innings this season, with many coming in lower-leverage situations. The Phillies held an $8 million club option on Domínguez for 2025 and it was becoming a tougher call on whether to exercise it.

Pache played sparingly as a reserve outfielder. His roster spot was in danger as the trade deadline inched closer and the Phillies pursued outfield upgrades.

Now, in Hays, they have a more balanced bench. He’ll likely share time with Marsh in left field, although the Phillies have opened a path to Marsh getting more playing time in center with Hays in left. If Hays hits, he could play more against right-handed pitchers at the expense of Johan Rojas. That remains to be seen.

The Phillies, by trading from their active roster, retained prospect capital to use in a trade for another reliever. They continue to explore that market, major-league sources said.

Ultimately, in a seller’s market, two teams with championship aspirations traded spare parts that fit each other better.

(Top photo of Austin Hays: Jim McIsaac / Getty Images)