Veteran OF Austin Hays Aims to Play Every Day After Signing with the White Sox

A Fresh Start for Hays in Chicago

After dealing with health setbacks in the past, Austin Hays is finally back to full health and is excited about his new opportunity with the Chicago White Sox. Having recently finalized a $6 million, one-year contract, Hays is now set to head into spring training with a regular role in the White Sox’s outfield. The 30-year-old veteran outfielder is eager to return to everyday play and contribute to a rebuilding team with a lot of potential.

“I’m really looking forward to playing every day again, both on offense and defense,” Hays said after signing the deal. “I wanted to go somewhere where I would get that opportunity, and Chicago is the right place for that.”

The Healthier Hays: Ready to Deliver

Hays enters this season feeling far more confident than he did a year ago. After struggling with a kidney infection that impacted his 2024 offseason, he bounced back with a solid 2025 campaign. He hit .266, blasted 15 home runs, and drove in 64 RBIs for the Cincinnati Reds, helping the team return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. While he posted a .319 average against left-handed pitchers and a .249 average against right-handed pitchers, it’s his healthy body and renewed confidence that have him looking forward to playing a full season for the first time in a while.

“I had some setbacks in 2025, and it took me a little time to fully recover,” Hays reflected. “But once I was back to feeling good, it was a great year. Now, I feel way ahead of where I was last season, and I’m ready to be myself again, physically and mentally.”

Despite some injury issues over the past few years — including a calf strain, hamstring issues, and foot contusions — Hays is aiming to play over 140 games in 2026, marking a personal goal of playing a full, healthy season. After playing in 103 games last season with the Reds, Hays is eager to contribute even more in a consistent role with the White Sox.

Looking to Revitalize His Career with the White Sox

Hays comes to the White Sox with a wealth of experience, having spent his first six seasons in the MLB with the Baltimore Orioles. He posted a career-high 22 homers and 71 RBIs in 2021 before being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in July 2024. In 2025, his stint with the Phillies was cut short by injury, but Hays still managed to make a solid contribution when healthy, hitting .256 with two homers and six RBIs in just 22 games.

The White Sox see Hays as an essential piece of their future, adding an experienced veteran to a promising group of young players. General Manager Chris Getz is optimistic about Hays’s potential, noting that the outfielder’s health seems to be fully back on track.

“He’s an All-Star caliber player when healthy,” Getz said. “He’s dealt with some health setbacks, but if he’s feeling good, we could see him return to that All-Star form we saw in 2023.”

A Promising Outfield in Chicago

Hays will be joining a competitive outfield that includes Andrew Benintendi and Luisangel Acuña, who was acquired in the trade for Luis Robert Jr. Hays is expected to play both right and left field, depending on the day, adding valuable depth to the White Sox’s outfield. His versatility and experience will provide the team with a consistent presence in the lineup, especially as they continue to develop their young talent.

“I’m really excited to be part of this young, exciting team,” Hays said. “There’s a lot of energy in this clubhouse, and I can’t wait to contribute to the team’s success.”

Building Toward the Future

For the White Sox, the signing of Hays is part of a larger rebuilding effort that includes promising young players like Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, and Chase Meidroth. The team also made significant moves in the offseason, including adding Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami to a $34 million, two-year contract and bolstering the bullpen with signings like Seranthony Domínguez and the acquisition of Jordan Hicks. These moves signal the White Sox’s commitment to improving their roster and setting themselves up for future success.

“We’ve had a very productive offseason,” Getz said. “We’re building the team we believe can compete, and Hays is a key part of that. We’re in a really good spot, and we’re excited for the future.”

A New Chapter in Chicago for Hays

As Hays prepares for spring training with the White Sox, his goal is clear: stay healthy, contribute consistently, and help the team take another step forward after a 60-102 record in 2025. The signing of Hays gives the White Sox another strong bat and dependable glove, while also bringing in leadership from a player who’s seen both the highs and lows of MLB baseball. For Hays, this is a chance to reset, revitalize his career, and show that he can once again be an everyday contributor at the highest level.