The shine on the prospect status of Austin Hays has dimmed from what it was a few years ago. Since making his big league debut back in 2017, Hays has been hampered by injuries and poor on-field performances. During that time, the Orioles have added a number of talented youngsters to the organization, and Hays has fallen down the prospect pecking order as a result. Now, the outfielder is seemingly 100% healthy and on target to return to the big leagues sometime this season.
Orioles general manager Mike Elias has made his approach to handling the team’s top prospects quite clear, and it’s a departure from how his predecessor did things.