According to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers and other sources, the Chicago White Sox are in agreement with All-Star outfielder Austin Hays on a one-year contract.
News: The White Sox are in agreement with free agent OF Austin Hays, sources tell ESPN. Hays, 30, hit 15 home runs in 103 games for Cincinnati last year. The Sox were looking for a veteran OF and Hays fits the bill.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) January 31, 2026
Hays delivered a solid 2025 season with the Cincinnati Reds before entering free agency. In 103 games (380 at-bats), he batted .266 with 60 runs scored, 101 hits, 16 doubles, five triples, 15 home runs, and 64 RBIs.
He posted a .315 on-base percentage, .453 slugging percentage, and .768 OPS, showing improved power output compared to his injury-plagued 2024.
Hays dealt with some health setbacks, including stints on the injured list for a calf strain, hamstring issue, and foot contusion, which limited his playing time. Despite the absences, he contributed consistently when healthy, with a 105 wRC+ and strong contact quality (88.8 mph average exit velocity, 38.4% hard-hit rate).
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Austin Hays’ deal with White Sox, per source: $5M salary plus $1M buyout on mutual option, $375K in incentives based on plate appearances. Wanted chance to play every day.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 31, 2026
Across his career (through 2025), Hays has appeared in 682 MLB games, primarily with the Baltimore Orioles before stints with the Phillies and Reds. He owns a .262 batting average, 631 hits, 83 home runs, 312 RBIs, 337 runs, and 24 stolen bases over 2,408 at-bats, with a .313 on-base percentage and .748 OPS.
Drafted by Baltimore in the third round in 2016 out of Jacksonville University, he debuted in 2017 and established himself as a reliable everyday option from 2021-2023, peaking with strong double and home run totals.
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After a down 2024, his 2025 bounce-back reaffirmed his value as a platoon-capable or everyday outfielder.
