Flamethrowing Pitcher Acquired by Baltimore Orioles in Outfielder Trade with Phillies

Ahead of the MLB deadline, the Philadelphia Phillies and Baltimore Orioles made a significant trade on Friday.
The team that the Baltimore Orioles would face in the World Series was the target of their first significant deal, which they completed ahead of schedule.

The Orioles will trade reliever Seranthony Dominguez and center fielder Cristian Pache to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for outfielder Austin Hays, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

Although Dominguez has been a dependable arm out of the pen for a while, this season he seems to be stuck in a rut. His xERA is significantly lower than his actual ERA, therefore he’s been somewhat unfortunate. If he works things out, he’s still a flamethrower who can hit a lot of players out.

Pache is an outfielder who prioritizes defense and hasn’t played much at the plate this year.

His current slash line through 50 games this year is.202/.288/.269. He is virtually ineffective against right-handed pitching, but does better against southpaws. This might be a good rotational addition that offers a good glove off the bench.

Hays was not a typical guy in terms of what they gave up. Despite having a low-to-mid.700s OPA over the last three seasons, he is reliable, but he was disposable.

In essence, Baltimore traded bench outfielders to the Phillies in return for a pitcher who was desperately needed in the bullpen. Even though they may have received a lower ranking for the position player, they still took the risk in order to get Dominguez, if they can mix him in, as a bullpen weapon.