Reports: White Sox, OF Austin Hays reach 1-year deal

Field Level Media|published: Sat 31st January, 11:02 2026

MLB: Cincinnati Reds at San Diego Padres

Sep 8, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; Cincinnati Reds left fielder Austin Hays (12) celebrates after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

The Chicago White Sox reached agreement with All-Star outfielder Austin Hays on a one-year deal, multiple outlets reported Saturday.

The deal is worth $6 million plus incentives pending the result of a physical, according to MLB Network.

Hays batted .266 with 15 home runs and 64 RBIs in 103 games with the Cincinnati Reds last season.

The 30-year-old free agent also attracted interest and/or offers from the Reds, Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres and Texas Rangers.

An American League All-Star in 2023, Hays is a career .262 hitter with 83 homers and 312 RBIs in 682 games with the Baltimore Orioles (2017, 2019-24), Philadelphia Phillies (2024) and Reds (2025).

--Field Level Media

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