"Better chance at winning the world series" - Austin Hays embraces new Phillies chapter as NL East team dominates

The Philadelphia Phillies have finalized a crucial deal with the Baltimore Orioles and signed the outfielder Austin Hays before the MLB trade deadline. In this acquisition, the Phillies filled up the void in their center field in exchange for the reliever Seranthony Dominguez and outfielder Christian Pache.

Both the teams benefitted from this trade, as the Orioles looked for more depth in their bullpen, and they got it. In a recent interview with the media, Austin Hays was asked about his thoughts on moving to the Phillies. He handled the question very well as he stated that he feels amazing going from one top team to another.

“That’s everything you could ask for, to go from one winning team to another winning team,” Hays said. “There’s not very many teams you feel like where you’re upgrading from where you were when your team’s in first place. That’s how I feel. I feel like I’m coming into a place where we have an even better chance to win a World Series.”

Hays has slashed .255/.316/.395/.711 with 3 homers, and 13 doubles in 175 plate appearances this season. Even though Hays isn't the strongest MLB center, he has one of the best power/speed combinations in the league. Hays is also well-accustomed to left-handed pitchers which was another one of the needs of the Phillies.

The Phillies manager is excited to have Austin Hays on the roster

MLB: Texas Rangers at Baltimore Orioles - Source: Imagn

When the Phillies faced a 3-1 loss against the Cleveland Guardians this Friday, Hays was already a Phillies player, but he didn't get any play time during that game. Hays was about to become a free agent in 2025, but the Phillies prevented that from happening, and now Austin Hays needs a chance to make an impact on the team.

The Phillies manager Rob Thomson is fairly excited about this trade and wants to increase his playtime more than what it was at the Orioles.

"I do not see him as a platoon player,” Thomson said. “This guy is an All-Star last year. And for whatever reason, I don’t know Baltimore’s situation, but he wasn’t playing every single day. I think that’s maybe affected his numbers a little bit. So I want to see what we have here."

Austin Hays couldn't prove his might as the outfielder this season, since he suffered a calf injury at the Baltimore Orioles, and had to take some time off the field. So, in this season, his stats are not that impressive. However, now he's completely recovered and can get back to his form in the Philadelphia Phillies.