The Chicago White Sox have finalized a deal with Austin Hays, signing him to a one-year contract worth $6 million, which includes a mutual option for the 2027 season. In 2026, Hays will earn $5 million, with an $8 million mutual option for 2027 or a $1 million buyout on the table. To accommodate Hays on the 40-man roster, the team designated reliever Bryan Hudson for assignment.
Hays to Join a Revamped Outfield Roster
At 30 years old, Austin Hays brings valuable experience to a White Sox outfield in flux. Last year with the Reds, Hays appeared in 103 games, producing a .266 batting average with 15 home runs and 64 RBIs. Over his career, he has started in 406 games in left field and 109 in right field—positions that new White Sox leadership has targeted to boost production since the offseason began. The addition reflects the team’s strategy of combining veteran presence with youth in its outfield lineup.
Performance Highlights and Outfield Strategy
Hays started the 2023 All-Star Game as a center fielder and finished that season with personal bests: 36 doubles, 16 home runs, and 67 RBIs. This shows his capability to contribute offensively and in multiple outfield spots. Meanwhile, the White Sox’s outfield will largely appear different this season after non-tendering right fielder Mike Tauchman and adding Luis Robert Jr. Andrew Benintendi is expected to see significant time at the designated hitter position, creating further lineup flexibility.
Additional New Faces and Outfield Depth
The organization has supplemented its outfield options by acquiring Everson Pereira and Tristan Peters from the Rays. Luisangel Acuna, brought to the club via the Luis Robert Jr. trade with the Mets, also offers the team an option in center field. These moves, paired with Hays’s signing, underline a focused effort on reshaping the outfield heading into the upcoming season.
