It’s not often that two of the best teams in baseball do business with each other.
But that’s exactly what happened on Friday afternoon when the Philadelphia Phillies and Baltimore Orioles traded big-name players.
The Phillies sent relief pitcher Seranty Dominguez and outfielder Cristian Pache to Baltimore in exchange for outfielder Austin Hayes, the team announced.
Dominguez, 29, has posted a 4.75 ERA in 38 games this year, striking out 40 batters and walking just 12.
The powerful Dominican reliever has become a staple in Philadelphia’s relief corps, appearing in 149 games over the past three years, a franchise record.
Dominguez’s responsibilities have been reduced this year after a stellar 2022 and solid 2023, earning just four holds and one save compared to 29 holds and 11 saves the past two seasons.
He will join a Baltimore pitching staff that is thin on depth and has recorded 16 failed saves this year (tied for ninth in the league).
Philadelphia, which has the best record in the major leagues (64-38), will have Jose Alvarado, Jeff Hoffman and Matt Strahm man the back end of its bullpen.
Meanwhile, the 29-year-old Hayes has played in 63 games and is batting .255/.316/.395 with three home runs and 14 RBIs.
The outfielder was named to his first All-Star team last year but has been plagued this season by calf and adductor injuries.
Additionally, Baltimore, which is tied for the best record in the American League at 61-41, features promising outfielders Heston Kierstad and Colton Cowser.
The Orioles added depth to their roster with the acquisition of Pache, a former top prospect who has only played in 98 games over the past two years.
Hayes, a veteran now in Philadelphia, may force Brandon Marsh to play primarily in center field, but he won’t have the flashiness Philadelphia hoped for, much like Luis Robert Jr. did with the White Sox.
Despite the team’s overall success, the Phillies outfield has not been spectacular, finishing tied for 22nd in wins above replacement while Nick Castellanos has struggled.
With just four days left until the trade deadline, two East Coast contenders have added to the excitement.
Other notable moves so far include the Rays sending outfielder Randy Arozarona to Seattle and the Diamondbacks acquiring Marlins relief pitcher A.J. Pack.
