Austin Hays Beats Baltimore Orioles in Arbitration Hearing
John Heyman from MLB Network is reporting that Baltimore Orioles outfielder wins his arbitration case against the team and will be earning $6.3 million dollars in 2024. Before the hearing took place, the Orioles offered to pay Hays $5.85 million dollars in 2024.
The 28-year old out of Jacksonville University has been with the ballclub since being drafted in 2016. From the time he was called up to the majors, he'd been the starting center fielder of the future for the organization, until injuries impacted his playing time with him missing the whole 2019 season.
Hays made the 2023 All-Star team for the first time in his career after having an amazing first half of the year. At one point before the All-Star break, he was leading the American League in batting average. He also showcased his defensive skills and was a finalist for the Glove Glove award.
The outfielder is eligible for arbitration one more time next season before he hits free agency. He's been part of the organization before they started to rebuild and is now an important piece of the team that has goals of winning it all for the city of Baltimore.
No matter if Hays will be on the team next year or after he hits free agency, he will always be remembered as giving it his all day in and day out, making run saving, and even game saving, catches.
It's good to know that the fans will be able to appreciate the type of player he's turned out to be after making his debut in 2017.