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Hays hit .354 / .404 / .537 against LH pitching this season. I would absolutely take him back as a platoon player who can fill in all three OF positions. Given the number of southpaws other teams throw against us we'd be nuts not to consider signing him if he gets DFA'd. 

I went and checked how we compared to other playoff teams in platooning and pinch-hitting during the playoffs.  I used the first two wildcard games as the sample to keep it apples to apples with the Orioles’ experience.  For the 8 wildcard teams, I counted the number of line-up changes from game 1 to game 2 and the number of pinch hit PAs and added them together.  For lineup changes, I didn’t consider batting order or positions, only the number of hitters that started game 1 but didn’t start game 2 (only McCann for the Orioles). The Orioles were middle of the pack - 4th highest moves among the 8 wildcard teams. #       Team                Lineup changes Pinch hits PAs Total        T1 Tigers 3 5 8            T1 Astros 1 7 8 3 Mets 1 6 7 4 Orioles 1 5 6 5 Royals 1 4 5 6 Braves 1 2 3 7 Brewers 1 1 2 8 Padres 0 0 0 For some additional context, only the Orioles and Tigers faced different-handed starters the first two games AND had opposing pitcher handedness change at least 5 times in those games. Teams that faced same-hand starter both days: Royals Astros Mets Braves   Number times opposing pitcher handedness changed in game: Astros - 8 Royals - 8 Orioles - 5 Tigers - 5 Mets - 4 Padres - 3 Braves - 2 Brewers - 1 

If Hays is non tendered he will be looking for the team that will play him full time.     And he might find it.   He in not even 30 yet.   But the O's don't have that to offer him.

I doubt the Orioles will go back to Hays unless Hays is ready to be a part-time 4th outfielder and take the salary that comes with that.  He'll most likely hope to get a one-year deal somewhere where he'll have an opportunity to compete for full-time work in the hopes of a comeback season that could potentially get him a bigger contract the next year. Unfortunately, I just think father time and injuries have just caught up to him. 

Do you know him personally?