On Saturday morning, the Chicago White Sox announced that they signed outfielder Austin Hays to a one-year deal worth $5 million with a mutual option for the 2027 season.
The move continues what has been a busy off-season for the White Sox. Who have already added Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami, Seranthony Domínguez, Anthony Kay, Sean Newcomb in free agency. Additionally, Luisangel Acuña as the centerpiece in the return for Luis Robert Jr.
Hays spent the 2025 season with the Cincinnati Reds, batting .255 with 15 home runs and 64 RBIs in 103 games. Reaching base at a .315 clip in 2025, in line with the outfielder’s career OBP of .313.
Hays is an eight-year Major League veteran. Appearing in 682 games with the Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies and the aforementioned Reds. He brings a career slash line of .262/.313/.435, with 83 home runs, looking to be more competitive in 2026.
Where Does Hays Fit?
Hays should get a chance to play every day in the White Sox’s outfield. As of right now, the White Sox have outfielders Brooks Baldwin, Andrew Benintendi, Derek Hill, Everson Pereira and Tristan Peters on the active roster. Hays and Benintendi bring the most experience to the group.
He put together a strong season in 2025 when facing left-handed pitchers. The outfielder batted .319 with a .400 OBP, slugging two home runs and driving in 17. For his career, Hays has a career slash line of .282/.340/.479, with 25 career home runs in 733 at-bats against lefties.
Last season, Hays slotted in the 88th percentile in terms of outfield arm strength and put together a strong fielding percentage of .977. With Robert Jr. now with the New York Mets, Hays is in line to potentially be the White Sox’s opening-day center fielder.
Hays was named an American League All-Star in 2023. In which Hays hit .275 with 16 home runs and 67 RBIs, similar to the output of last season. He will give White Sox manager Will Venable an option at the top of the lineup, with a power and speed combo. Last season, Hays stole seven bases on all seven attempts.
The Move Allows for More Development
The move will give White Sox’s top prospect, Braden Montgomery, who was acquired in the Garrett Crochet trade in December of 2024, more time to develop into the player they foresaw when acquiring him.
The former first-round pick by the Boston Red Sox in 2024 spent the 2025 season playing across three levels. For the year, Montgomery hit .270, with a .360 OBP, 12 home runs and 68 RBIs, while stealing 14 bases.
The 22-year-old finished up 2025 in Double-A with the Birmingham Barons. Appearing in 34 games, batting .272 with one home run and 11 RBIs. Starting at the Double-A level feels right for Montgomery. But with a strong start to 2025, the outfielder could join Hays on a White Sox roster that already has Kyle Teel, Chase Meidroth and Wikelman González from the Crochet trade.
Main Photo Credit: Lowres- USA Today