White Sox sign outfielder Austin Hays

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The team finally has another outfielder.

According to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, the White Sox have agreed to terms with outfielder Austin Hays. MLB insider Jon Heyman confirmed the reports, saying the one-year deal is worth $6 million plus incentives pending a physical.

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, 30, put together a solid 2025 season with the Reds, serving as a steady veteran presence in the outfield. In 103 games, he slashed .266/.315/.453 with 15 home runs and 64 RBI, good for a .768 OPS and an above-average 105 wRC+. His right-handed power and defensive reliability across both corner outfield spots made him an appealing target for the White Sox, who get a much-needed upgrade in right field entering camp.

Just before the deal was announced, the New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported that Hays was “said to be deciding this weekend” amid interest from a handful of teams. In addition to the White Sox, the Padres, Cubs, Tigers, and Rangers were all listed as suitors. The Athletic’s Zack Meisel also noted that the Guardians had “put out feelers” on Hays, while earlier reports this winter linked the Royals, Reds, Mets, Yankees, and Cardinals.

One legitimate concern is Hays’ recent injury history, which has become a recurring storyline. He opened last season on the injured list with a left calf strain, later missed time with a left hamstring issue, and also dealt with a contusion on his left foot. Hays was limited to just 85 games the year prior, though he appeared in 131 or more games while with the Orioles from 2021–23. Over those mainly healthy three years, Hays proved his worth by posting a combined .261/.313/.439 slash line with 54 home runs and 198 RBI.

This move helps bring clarity to an outfield picture, which looked less than ideal following the Luis Robert Jr. trade. Newly acquired Luisangel Acuña appears poised to take over center field duties, while Andrew Benintendi remains locked into left field. Adding Hays helps stabilize right field, a spot that had been a major question mark, where Brooks Baldwin, Jarred Kelenic, and LaMonte Wade Jr. had been among the primary options had a deal not been reached. The team has now bridged the gap nicely until prospect Braden Montgomery is ready to make his MLB debut, which could come as early as the second half of 2026.

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