Why don’t Orioles try to bring back Austin Hays? | MAILBAG

Question: Why do the Orioles not make an effort to re-sign Austin Hays? Hays is a free-agent, righthand-hitting outfielder with an above-average arm, one year removed from being an All Star. Did his quest for more playing time burn a bridge with Brandon Hyde or the front office?  If not, why not?  Seems like a win-win to me.  From: Mark Eisner

Answer: Mark, I was always a big fan of Austin Hays, and while I’m surprised that he has not yet signed with a team, I’m not surprised that the Orioles haven’t shown interest.

Hays was a positive presence in the clubhouse, so I’m not sure where your reference to a “quest for more playing time,” comes from. Many players want more playing time, and I know how much Hays enjoyed playing in Baltimore.

With Colton Cowser, Cedric Mullins, Tyler O’Neill and Heston Kjerstad along with Ryan O’Hearn and possibly Jorge Mateo, I don’t see where much playing time is available, and who would have to be cut to make room for Hays. The projected lineup doesn’t have room for Coby Mayo, so unless trades are made, or there are injuries, I don’t see where there’s room for Hays.

Question: Is there any good reason why the Orioles keep claiming players like Jacob Amaya who aren’t good enough for a team that lost 124 games last year. Sure, his .182 average is appealing but don’t we already have a shortstop and second baseman? From: Robert Austin

Answer: Robert, I think the move to claim Jacob Amaya was not a signal that the Orioles needed him to play second or third base in Baltimore. More likely, they are in need of middle infielders for Triple-A Norfolk, and even though Amaya doesn’t have any options left, they may try to later pass him through waivers so he can play there.

The Orioles used 60 players last season and may need that many to get through this year, and they want as many skilled alternatives at Norfolk as they can. If there are injuries to middle infielders, players like Amaya or Liván Soto, who recently passed through waivers, are available to help.

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.