Former All-Star Austin Hays Joins White Sox on $6 Million, 1-Year Deal

In a move that signals their intention to improve their roster, the Chicago White Sox have finalized a one-year contract with former All-Star outfielder Austin Hays. The deal, worth $6 million, will provide the White Sox with a seasoned veteran to bolster their outfield and provide leadership for their younger players.

A Veteran Presence for the White Sox

Hays, who will earn a $5 million salary in 2026, comes with an additional $8 million mutual option for 2027, along with a $1 million buyout. This move marks a significant acquisition for the White Sox, particularly after the team traded their star outfielder, Luis Robert Jr., to the New York Mets last month. Chicago was actively seeking a veteran presence to help stabilize their young roster, and Hays fits that role perfectly.

To make room for Hays on the 40-man roster, the White Sox designated left-handed pitcher Bryan Hudson for assignment. Hudson, a 25-year-old who made brief appearances in the majors, now finds himself in limbo as the White Sox continue to reshape their roster.

Hays’ Journey: From All-Star to Free Agency

At 30 years old, Hays brings considerable experience to the White Sox. He was named an All-Star with the Baltimore Orioles in 2023, a year that saw him hit .275 with 16 home runs and 67 RBIs. That performance solidified his place as one of the more reliable outfielders in the league. However, since his All-Star season, Hays has faced a series of injuries, including a troubling kidney infection that limited his effectiveness at times.

Despite the setbacks, Hays has managed to stay competitive. In 2024, he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies before the trade deadline. Although his time with Philadelphia was short, Hays batted .256 with two home runs and six RBIs in 22 games. His overall 2024 season ended with a .255 batting average, five home runs, and 20 RBIs—solid, though not spectacular numbers.

In 2025, Hays signed a one-year contract with the Cincinnati Reds, where he enjoyed a much stronger season. He hit .266 with 15 home runs and 64 RBIs in 103 games, helping the Reds secure a playoff berth. Hays also made notable contributions in the postseason, including a key performance in the National League Wild Card series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he celebrated a pivotal run.

A Proven Performer, Despite Injury Woes

While Hays’ recent history has been marked by injuries, his performance when healthy still holds significant value. Known for his consistency and power, Hays has the ability to make an impact in both the outfield and at the plate. The White Sox are betting that his experience and proven ability to contribute in clutch moments will be a valuable asset as they continue to rebuild.

Hays’ addition gives the White Sox another potential 20-home-run bat in the lineup, adding depth to a team that has struggled in recent years. The White Sox are hoping Hays can provide leadership to their younger stars and add stability to their outfield.

White Sox’s Struggles and Ambitions for Improvement

The White Sox have faced significant challenges in recent seasons. With three consecutive 100-loss seasons, including a dismal 60-102 finish in 2025, they have been in rebuilding mode for a while. However, the 2025 season did show some signs of life, as the White Sox improved by 19 games from their historically bad 2024 campaign, when they finished with a league-worst 41-121 record.

Despite these struggles, the White Sox remain hopeful about their future. The team believes they have a promising core of young players ready to take the next step. With the addition of Hays, the White Sox are looking to fill the void left by Robert’s departure, while also providing support for players like Luis Castillo, Dylan Cease, and Eloy Jiménez.

In addition to Hays, the White Sox made another key acquisition this offseason by signing Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami. Murakami’s arrival is seen as another major step toward improving the team’s offense and bolstering their ability to compete in a highly competitive AL Central division.

Looking Ahead: What Hays Brings to Chicago

For the White Sox, Hays is expected to play a key role in 2026. While he may not be the star player that some fans were hoping for, his veteran experience and leadership are valuable assets for a team looking to regain competitiveness. The White Sox are hoping that Hays can provide stability, especially for a team with many young and developing players.

Hays is not expected to be the team’s primary star, but his consistency and ability to stay healthy could make him a key part of the team’s success. He will likely slot in as a corner outfielder and could also contribute as a versatile bat off the bench when necessary. With his proven ability to hit for power and his postseason experience, Hays could also become a steady force in the middle of the lineup for the White Sox as they look to push for a return to contention.

The Bottom Line: A Smart, Low-Risk Addition for the White Sox

At a $6 million price tag for one year, Hays represents a low-risk, high-reward move for the White Sox. While there are concerns about his recent injuries, his track record as a reliable outfielder and consistent hitter makes him a solid addition to the team’s roster. With the White Sox in rebuild mode but eager to show improvement in 2026, Hays could be the type of player who helps solidify their roster while providing leadership for their young players.

As spring training begins, the White Sox will be looking to build on their 2025 improvements and make further strides toward returning to competitiveness. Austin Hays may not be the only piece to the puzzle, but his presence could help elevate the team in 2026, especially if he stays healthy and continues to perform at a high level. Fans in Chicago will be watching closely to see how this addition pans out as the team looks to rise from its recent struggles and push for a more successful season.