Phillies Non-Tender Austin Hays Amidst Injury-Stricken Season

Philadelphia Phillies have opted not to tender a contract to outfielder Austin Hays, according to a report by Jon Heyman of the «New York Post.» This decision makes Hays a free agent without having to clear waivers, after being projected to earn a $6.4 million salary through arbitration.

Hays, 29, had spent the majority of his career with the Baltimore Orioles before being traded to the Phillies in 2024. The Phillies acquired him hoping that his past performances would add depth to their outfield, especially after he faced injuries earlier in the season. Unfortunately, Hays’ stint with Philadelphia was plagued by further health issues, including a strained hamstring and a kidney infection. Consequently, he only managed to play in 22 games, holding a batting average of .256 and contributing a WAR of -0.3.

The 2024 season looms as one of the most challenging for Hays, given his three separate stints on the injured list. His cumulative performance yielded a .255/.303/.396 batting line, significantly lower than his previous seasons, including an All-Star-caliber performance in 2023. Reflecting on his career high, Hays achieved a .275/.325/.444 slash line with 16 home runs in 2023, showcasing solid defensive skills in the outfield.

Despite a difficult 2024 season, there remains potential interest in Hays from teams looking for a low-cost, right-handed option to enhance their outfield. Given his earlier achievements with the Orioles, he might secure a one-year deal that reflects the salary outlook before his non-tender.

The Phillies are now expected to navigate the market for veteran outfield assistance. With their current outfield mix including names like Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas, Philadelphia might consider restructuring its strategy, possibly involving platoon roles or strengthening left-field compositions.

Before the non-tender decision, the Phillies assessed the potential for trading Hays but ultimately decided against it. His future in MLB remains uncertain, but analysts suggest he is still an appealing candidate for a minor league or short-term contract elsewhere, potentially finding former success with a reduced role to manage his durability throughout a season.