MLB Network’s Jon Heyman has announced that the Philadelphia Phillies have decided to non-tender Austin Hays. The MLB non-tender deadline becomes official today at 6 pm. Hays is a former Baltimore Orioles outfielder who was an All-Star in 2023. Orioles beat reporter, Jake Rill who writes for MLB.com had the opportunity to talk with Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski about Hays’ performance and future with the team. Dombrowski commented and claimed:
”We did not see a good version of Austin Hays from the day we got him, unfortunately. He was hurt. He got a kidney infection right away. We’ve seen Austin Hays play plenty, we liked him a great deal, we’re absolutely thrilled that we got him. But we never saw the guy that we have seen in the past. And of course, early in the year, we didn’t see him a lot last year because he wasn’t playing on a full-time basis. We still have to evaluate where all that falls going forward.”
Austin Hays Become Free Agent After Non-Tender
Hays’ 2024 season was heavily impacted by numerous health issues/injuries; calf, abductor, hamstring, and of course kidney infection. He played a total of 85 games split between Baltimore and the Phillies. Hays sported a .255 batting average with five home runs, two stolen bases, and 20 RBI. It’s unfortunate for Hays who is only 29 but now that he’s a part of the free-agent market he will be an interesting piece for teams to consider.
If Hays hadn’t experienced the kidney infection he likely would have remained as a strong contributor for the Phillies.
Could a reunion with his former team be on the table? Hays was a fan favorite when he played for Baltimore. While playing for the Orioles he was recognized for his several strong attributes such as his defense (solid arm and glove), decent power with his bat as well as contact. Hays is a player who has earned a lot of respect with the Orioles. But their focus this offseason will most likely be geared toward developing their prospects and getting them the chance to play while also signing a star player. The Cincinnati Reds have come up as a promising target for Hays.
Main Photo: © Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
