Seranthony Dominguez and Cristian Pache,Austin Hays of the Orioles is traded to the Phillies
Seranthony Dominguez and Cristian Pache in exchange for a former All-Star.
On Friday afternoon, the Orioles made a move that not many could have predicted, but it was the first domino in what might be a busy Trade Deadline season.
Right-hander Seranthony Domínguez and outfielder Cristian Pache were traded by Baltimore to Philadelphia in exchange for veteran outfielder Austin Hays. The deal between the American League East-leading O’s (61-41) and the MLB-best Phillies (64-38), two of the best clubs in baseball, satisfied requirements on both sides.
TRADES PRICING INFORMATION
Orioles receive: OF Cristian Pache and RHP Seranthony Domínguez.
The Phillies get: Austin Hays, OF
The Orioles made two moves on Friday to improve both their bullpen and rotation, including acquiring right-handed starter Zach Eflin from the Rays. It was anticipated that they would be fairly active in the pitching market. They might, however, still pursue other pitchers in the run-up to the Trade Deadline, which is set for Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET.
Domínguez ought to strengthen the bullpen. The 29-year-old righty has made 38 bullpen appearances this season with an ERA of 4.75, although he has previously pitched better, with a 3.55 ERA during 230 MLB appearances. Additionally, in 26 outings since May 1, he has a 2.81 ERA.
“I am aware that we will be receiving a man with remarkable arm strength. Manager Brandon Hyde stated, “He has pitched in postseason play and high-leverage situations.” It has a great slider and an electric fastball. Although he has had his ups and downs this season, we are hoping that he can contribute to our bullpen at the back end.
Domínguez plays fast-paced music. According to Statcast, his four-seam fastball is averaging 97.6 mph this season, which is in the top 5% in MLB. In his 15 career playoff appearances over the previous two seasons, he has pitched to a 1.13 ERA, giving him postseason experience as well.
Domínguez pitched 5 1/3 innings without allowing a run in the 2017 Phillies NL Championship Series. There is a $8 million club option on his contract through 2025.
O’s seasoned catcher James McCann stated, “I’ve faced him numerous times, in Spring Training and the regular season, and I know that I’m looking forward to getting to catch him and not having to hit off him.”
Baltimore parted ways with one of its clubhouse leaders in Hays in order to land Domínguez.
Along with fellow outfielders Anthony Santander and Cedric Mullins, Hays was an Orioles mainstay prior to the reconstruction. He was named an All-Star in 2023. Hays, 29, spent seven seasons with the Baltimore Orioles, where he finished with a slash line of.263/.315/.433 in 557 games.
Hays had a difficult start to the season this year; on April 22, he was batting.111 with a.311 OPS and had been placed on the injured list due to a left calf injury. He has played primarily platoon since returning in mid-May, beginning in left field against left-handed starters, and he has flourished, slashing.in 44 games, batting 313/.363/.509 with 13 doubles, 3 home runs, and 12 RBI.
Hyde, who took over as manager of the Orioles before the 2019 campaign, stated, “For me, he played the game so hard for all the years here in front of the fans, and just how he went about his business on a daily basis, I have so much respect for.” Nobody exerted more effort in their play. No one injured themselves more on the field. He was amazing in the clubhouse, the community, and the charitable work.
“He is an absolute pro. Thus, it’s difficult to lose someone who was so close to all of us. Many guys in that clubhouse consider him to be a close buddy, and we certainly hope the best for him.
In Hays’ absence, Pache should provide some depth to Baltimore’s right-handed outfield. Formerly a high prospect, the 25-year-old has slashed.179/.243/.272 in 213 games across five major league seasons with the Phillies, Braves, and A’s. In 50 games this season for Philadelphia, he has a.557 OPS and a.202 batting average. Additionally, he is a three-position outfield player.
But don’t see Pache replacing Hays in the position. The Orioles may have given young players like Heston Kjerstad and Connor Norby—who is ranked as the team’s No. 5 prospect by MLB Pipeline—more playing time by moving Hays.
While Santander, Mullins, and Colton Cowser can start in the outfield from left to right, Kjerstad should see more time in left. Ryan O’Hearn, the first baseman, has also played in left field six times this season. Although Norby hasn’t yet seen action in the Major Leagues, he started 26 games for Triple-A Norfolk this season in left field.
There is less right-handed thump on the Orioles position-player roster these days. However, with first baseman/third baseman Coby Mayo (the club’s top prospect and ranked No. 15 overall by MLB Pipeline) getting close to receiving his first MLB callup, it could be resolved soon. Or maybe, before the Deadline, Baltimore will need a right-handed hitter.
About the state of the O’s outfield, Hyde remarked, “We’ll see what the next few days bring, honestly.” “With the Deadline approaching, we’ll see how the roster comes together.”
