Friday marked the crucial deadline for Major League Baseball teams to decide on offering contracts to players eligible for salary arbitration, leading to the Philadelphia Phillies‘ decision to let go of outfielder Austin Hays, who is now officially a free agent seeking new opportunities.
The decision was relatively straightforward for the Phillies, as Hays was projected to earn around $6 million via the arbitration process. However, his limited playing time raised questions about his value to the team at that price point and whether he could secure an everyday role within the lineup.
The Phillies brought Hays into the fold from the Baltimore Orioles just four days shy of the 2024 trade deadline, trading reliever Seranthony Dominguez in what was hoped to be a move to bolster their outfield. The expectation was for Hays to serve as a reliable platoon partner for standout Brandon Marsh in left field, or even to evolve into an everyday starter. Unfortunately, after just two weeks with the team, Hays suffered a hamstring strain, sidelining him for two weeks. Upon his return, he struggled to regain his form and soon discovered that he was dealing with a kidney infection that would keep him out for most of September.
Hays made a brief return just before the regular season concluded, even starting in a pivotal matchup against Mets left-hander Sean Manaea during Game 3 of the NLDS. Nevertheless, his performance was lackluster, ending his stint with the Phillies on a disappointing note.
“Sometimes you have to make adjustments to things and be open-minded to it. I know for myself, you ask about the trade deadline, for me, it really hurts that Austin Hays didn’t have a good two months,” said Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski a week after the season’s closure. He added, “We thought — I take the responsibility — that Austin Hays was really gonna help us. And versus the Mets? Left-handed pitching, the right matchup. He gets hurt, he gets sick and he just wasn’t the same player after that.”
With the offseason underway, the Phillies have identified their two primary focuses: bolstering their outfield and enhancing the overall lineup. Ideally, these objectives could be addressed simultaneously through astute moves in the free-agent market. However, outside of star player Juan Soto, the Phillies face challenges in finding a standout outfielder who could significantly reshape their offensive dynamics. This reality necessitates creative strategies within the trade market, which may involve making tough decisions regarding key players like Alec Bohm, Ranger Suarez, and Brandon Marsh.
For the remaining seven arbitration-eligible players on the Phillies roster, two players successfully negotiated deals on Friday, while the rest were tendered contracts. Jose Ruiz managed to avoid arbitration by agreeing to a one-year deal worth $1.225 million, as reported by FanSided’s Robert Murray. Additionally, backup catcher Garrett Stubbs also secured a one-year contract.
Bohm, Suarez, Marsh, Bryson Stott, and Edmundo Sosa were tendered contracts. Teams and players must exchange arbitration figures by mid-January, with hearings scheduled for February unless a mutual agreement is reached beforehand. Should the issue escalate to arbitration, a panel will determine whether the ruling favors the player or the team.
Last offseason, the Phillies successfully avoided arbitration with all of their eligible players except for Bohm, who engaged in negotiations resulting in a $3.4 million offer from the team. He countered with a request for $4 million and emerged victorious in the arbitration process.
Players earn eligibility for arbitration after accruing three years of big-league service time but must have less than six years and not hold a contract for the subsequent season.
What were the main factors that contributed to the Phillies’ decision to release Austin Hays after acquiring him?
**Interview with Baseball Analyst Mike Thompson on the Phillies’ Decision to Release Austin Hays**
**Host:** Welcome, Mike! It’s great to have you here today to discuss the recent news surrounding the Philadelphia Phillies and their decision to let go of outfielder Austin Hays. This comes right after the crucial contract arbitration deadline.
**Mike Thompson:** Thanks for having me! It’s certainly a significant move for the Phillies as they gear up for the offseason.
**Host:** Let’s start from the beginning. The Phillies acquired Hays from the Baltimore Orioles just days before the trade deadline. What were the expectations for him at that time?
**Mike Thompson:** The expectation was that Hays would strengthen the outfield. They brought him in as a platoon partner for Brandon Marsh, and there was hope he might develop into an everyday starter. He was seen as a valuable asset, particularly against left-handed pitchers [[1](https://www.mlb.com/player/austin-hays-669720)].
**Host:** However, things didn’t go as planned. Can you share what led to the decision to ultimately cut him?
**Mike Thompson:** Absolutely. Hays faced several injuries after his trade. He suffered a hamstring strain just two weeks into his time with the Phillies, which sidelined him for a short period. Upon returning, he was diagnosed with a kidney infection that kept him out for most of September [[1](https://www.mlb.com/player/austin-hays-669720)]. His limited playing time—combined with the projected $6 million salary through arbitration—made it difficult for the organization to justify keeping him on the roster.
**Host:** That $6 million figure is significant. How do you think the organization weighed his potential value against this cost?
**Mike Thompson:** It was certainly a tough call. Given his injury struggles, the Phillies likely concluded that Hays wouldn’t provide enough value for that amount. When a player’s performance drops, especially after being sidelined due to health issues, it’s a clear red flag for teams looking to maximize their funds [[1](https://www.mlb.com/player/austin-hays-669720)].
**Host:** Right, and Dave Dombrowski expressed disappointment over Hays’s performance, reflecting on the team’s high hopes. How much do you think this loss reflects on the front office’s assessment capabilities?
**Mike Thompson:** It speaks to the challenges of roster decisions, particularly around trade deadlines. Dombrowski took responsibility for the trade, but injuries are unpredictable. Unfortunately, they thought they were getting a player who could significantly contribute, but sometimes circumstances just don’t align [[1](https://www.mlb.com/player/austin-hays-669720)].
**Host:** Now that Hays is officially a free agent, what do you see as his next steps? Can he find a new opportunity?
**Mike Thompson:** There will certainly be interest. Potentially healthy, Hays has shown flashes of talent in the past, and teams may view him as a low-risk, high-reward signing. He could fit well with a team needing outfield depth or looking for a platoon option. His next move will depend on how well he can showcase his recovery and what teams are willing to invest [[1](https://www.mlb.com/player/austin-hays-669720)].
**Host:** Thanks, Mike, for your insights on this situation! It will be interesting to see how both Hays and the Phillies move forward from here.
**Mike Thompson:** My pleasure! The offseason is always full of surprises, and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens.
