The Philadelphia Phillies swung a blockbuster trade on Sunday afternoon. In the deal, the Phillies sent a package of prospects to the Miami Marlins in exchange for the Marlins' ace Jesús Luzardo.
Luzardo heads to Philadelphia to join a starting rotation with four All-Stars in it. With the addition of Luzardo, there will be some Phillies players headed out of Philadelphia.
FanSided's Mark Powell recently predicted the Phillies would cut ties with outfielder Austin Hays. The Phillies acquired Hays at the 2024 MLB trade deadline as a platoon outfielder, but the outfielder is now a free agent. He's projected to sign a one-year deal worth about $10 million in free agency, per Spotrac.
"The Phillies acquired Austin Hays as part of their outfield solution, but injuries quickly derailed any chance of that, specifically as it pertained to his hamstring," Powell wrote. "After a disappointing 2024 season, it's clear Dave Dombrowski does not view Hays as an essential member of their core. As Todd Zolecki of MLB.com wrote, it was no surprise Hays was non-tendered before free agency."
Hays has long been looked at as a candidate to sign elsewhere. The Phillies likely acquired him last year with the idea he would be a rental outfielder. He didn't excel in his role, so it's not tough for the Phillies to let him walk.
Instead, the Phillies could look to acquire a much better right-handed outfielder like Teoscar Hernández or Luis Robert Jr.
More MLB: Cubs Predicted To Trade For $73 Million Ace Following Jesús Luzardo Whiff
English (US) ·