8:42AM: Outfielder Austin Hays is heading to the Chicago White Sox on a one-year, $6 million deal, pending a physical, ESPN’s Jesse Rogers reports. The agreement provides Hays with a clear path to playing time, a key factor in his decision.
Hays Finds Opportunity in Chicago
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The 30-year-old outfielder sought a situation with consistent at-bats, and the White Sox appear to offer just that.
- Hays will earn $6 million in 2026, with a $1 million buyout on a mutual option for 2027.
- He’s eligible for an additional $375,000 in incentives based on plate appearances, according to Ken Rosenthal.
- The White Sox were among several teams interested in Hays this offseason, including the Cubs, Padres, Tigers, and Rangers.
- Playing time was a major priority for Hays, who is looking for a chance to play regularly.
- Chicago’s outfield mix includes Andrew Benintendi, Brooks Baldwin, Derek Hill, Tristan Peters, Everson Pereira, Jarred Kelenic, and Luisangel Acuna.
The White Sox’s pursuit of Hays signals an intent to be more competitive in 2026, even if a playoff run isn’t immediately expected. The team freed up $20 million in payroll by trading Luis Robert Jr. to the Mets and reinvested some of that money in a two-year, $20 million deal with Seranthony Dominguez, who is expected to be their closer.
Seeking Consistent At-Bats
Hays was reportedly deciding between several teams this weekend, according to Jon Heyman, with the White Sox, Cubs, Padres, Tigers, and Rangers all showing interest. Previously, the Royals, Reds, Mets, Yankees, and Cardinals had also been linked to the outfielder. The Guardians also “put out feelers” on Hays’ availability, according to Zack Meisel.
Hays is coming off a solid season with the Cincinnati Reds, where he posted a .266/.315/.453 slash line with 15 home runs over 416 plate appearances. Despite injuries, his 105 wRC+ was the third-highest on the team among players with at least 111 plate appearances. He signed a one-year, $5 million deal with the Reds last year, which included a $1 million buyout on a $12 million mutual option for 2026, which was declined.
Since Opening Day 2021, Hays has a 106 wRC+ over 2348 plate appearances, establishing himself as a capable everyday player with the Baltimore Orioles from 2021-23. While he doesn’t walk frequently or generate significant hard contact, and his strikeout rate has increased in recent seasons, his ability to hit left-handed pitching—a 160 wRC+ against lefties over the last two seasons—makes him a valuable asset.
Injury History a Consideration
Hays has struggled with injuries in recent years, making six trips to the injured list over the last two seasons. Four of those stints were due to left calf and hamstring strains, and he also missed time last season with a left foot contusion. Defensively, Hays has played 483 career MLB innings in center field, but is likely better suited for a corner outfield role, with potential at-bats as a designated hitter.
The Reds considered trading Hays last summer, but his injuries likely hampered his market value. The White Sox could potentially explore trading Hays at the upcoming deadline, given their rebuilding status and the potential interest from other teams in a veteran bat with his offensive profile.
With $8 million of the Dominguez deal deferred to 2026, the White Sox still have approximately $6 million remaining from the money freed up by the Robert trade, potentially allowing them to add another pitcher.
