The Phillies came out of the trade deadline with plenty of activity and one glaring question still hanging over the roster: where’s the right-handed outfield help?
Philadelphia did land infielder Luis Arraez among its additions, but it did not bring in a right-handed outfielder. Outside of Colby Thomas, who is currently in the minor leagues, that need remained untouched. Now, with the deadline behind them, a possible answer has surfaced.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Chicago White Sox are planning to release Austin Hays, which could open the door for a reunion in Philadelphia.
“White Sox are planning to place outfielder. Austin Hays on release waivers,” Heyman wrote.
“Missed most of season due to injury, but was scheduled to be activated from rehab. Could be an interesting righthanded bat for a team that missed out before deadline”
Nothing is official yet, and there’s no indication the Phillies have already committed to pursuing him. But once Hays is actually released, he becomes one of the few realistic options left for a team that still wants to plug its biggest hole.
Hays has been limited by a calf injury this season, appearing in just 12 games in 2026. He was much more productive in 2025, when he hit .266 with 15 home runs, 64 RBIs and seven stolen bases across 103 games. The veteran outfielder was an All-Star in 2023 and also spent 22 games with the Phillies in 2024.
Across nine major league seasons, Hays has hit .262 with 84 home runs, 319 RBIs and 24 stolen bases.
Philadelphia is aiming for a deep playoff run, but the outfield setup is still awkward. With Bryce Harper moving back to right, the Phillies’ starting outfield is made up entirely of lefties. Hays wouldn’t transform the lineup, but he would give the club a proven veteran bat and a cleaner fit for a roster spot that still needs attention.
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Philadelphia spent time looking for a starting pitcher, but the market never broke its way, leaving the club to keep working with what it has. There are also changes coming elsewhere on the diamond, with Bryce Harper heading back to the outfield and Bryson Stott and Alec Bohm shifting positions, which only adds another layer of adjustment for a team trying to stay sharp in the stretch run. [Read more 🡒]