After earning his first All-Star selection in 2023, outfielder Austin Hays endured a difficult 2024 season, largely due to a persistent kidney infection. The condition affected both his physical and mental well-being, ultimately landing him on the injured list for 19 days in September while with the Philadelphia Phillies, who had acquired him from the Baltimore Orioles in a July 26 trade.
“It was a really tough year for me and my family,” Hays said. “Between the trade and dealing with the kidney issues, it took a toll both physically and mentally. Kidney problems really mess with your head.”
Hays struggled to regain his form, finishing the season with a .255/.316/.396 slash line and just five home runs over 85 games a noticeable dip from his previous seasons, when he hit 22 homers in 2021 and 16 in both 2022 and 2023.
The Phillies opted not to tender him a contract in November, making him a free agent. He later signed a one-year, $5 million deal with the Cincinnati Reds on January 30.
