Chicago White Sox Sign Veteran Outfielder Austin Hays to One-Year Deal
The Chicago White Sox have bolstered their outfield depth by signing veteran Austin Hays to a one-year contract. Reports indicate the deal is valued at approximately $6 million, consisting of a $5 million base salary for the 2026 season and a $1 million buyout attached to a mutual option. This acquisition adds an experienced right-handed bat to a roster looking to stabilize its lineup following an active offseason.
Hays, 30, joins the White Sox after spending the 2025 season with the Cincinnati Reds, where he slashed .266/.315/.453 across 103 games. He contributed 15 home runs and 64 RBIs, rebounding from a difficult 2024 campaign split between the Baltimore Orioles and Philadelphia Phillies. Originally an All-Star with the Orioles in 2023, Hays has established himself as a capable defender and a threat against left-handed pitching, posting a career OPS near .820 against southpaws.
Despite the optimism surrounding the signing, concerns remain regarding Hays’ durability. His tenure in Cincinnati was interrupted by multiple stints on the injured list, including issues with a hamstring strain and a foot contusion. These setbacks mirror a trend from 2024, where he missed significant time due to a calf strain and a kidney infection. Critics might argue that investing in an injury-prone veteran could block playing time for developing prospects such as Luisangel Acuña or other younger outfielders in the White Sox system, potentially stalling the team’s long-term evaluation of its core talent.
However, the White Sox front office appears to value the veteran presence Hays brings to a clubhouse undergoing a transition. By securing a proven major league regular on a short-term commitment, the organization provides insurance for its younger players while adding a reliable option who can handle everyday duties if healthy. The deal also includes performance-based incentives, protecting the club’s financial flexibility should Hays struggle to stay on the field.
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