MLB Trade Deadline: Phillies acquire Austin Hays from Orioles in exchange for Seranthony Dominguez and Cristian Pache

The Philadelphia Phillies made their first move ahead of the MLB trade deadline by acquiring Austin Hays from the Baltimore Orioles, the team announced on Friday. In exchange for the veteran outfielder, Philadelphia sent pitcher Seranthony Dominguez and outfielder Christian Pache to Baltimore.

"TRADE: Phillies acquired OF Austin Hays from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for RHP Seranthony Domínguez and OF Cristian Pache. Hays will wear No. 9," Jeff Skversky tweeted.

The Phillies have been looking to solidify their outfield before the trade deadline and have done so by landing the veteran. Hays has been linked to trade rumors all season after being made expendable for the Orioles. A reliable source of on-base skills, Hays should be a solid addition to the Phillies lineup, which includes stars like Bryce Harper and Trea Turner.

Hays has struggled this season while being limited to only 63 games, given the Orioles crowded outfield. Hays has posted a .255 batting average with three home runs and 14 RBIs. The veteran is in the final year of his current contract. However, he has one more year of arbitration eligibility, which also gives the club some flexibility moving into 2025.

It remains to be seen what kind of role Austin Hays will have with the Phillies moving forward. However, given the number of outfielders on the Orioles, he should see a boost in at-bats.

A look at the Orioles' first splash before the trade deadline

Although the Baltimore Orioles have been linked to a number of top players heading into the deadline, their new players from the Phillies address some of their needs. While Cristian Pache might find himself similar to Austin Hays, Seranthony Dominguez will help bolster the team's pitching staff.

Dominguez has been a solid arm out of the bullpen for the Phillies throughout his career. The Baltimore Orioles have been ravaged by injuries this season, with John Means, Kyle Bradish, Tyler Wells and Felix Bautista all currently sitting on the 60-day IL.

The Orioles will likely look to add more pitchers before the trade deadline. However, Seranthony Dominguez is an interesting piece for the AL East leaders as they look to make a deep postseason run. Expect more moves, as both teams now have a taste for the 2024 MLB Trade Deadline.