Chicago White Sox Sign All-Star Outfielder Austin Hays

One-year deal worth $5M with $1M buyout on mutual option

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:21am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball game or match, with sharp planes of color representing the players and field of play.A cubist interpretation of an intense baseball matchup, capturing the dynamic energy and overlapping perspectives of the game.Hays Today

The Chicago White Sox have reportedly signed 30-year-old All-Star outfielder Austin Hays to a one-year contract worth $5 million, with a $1 million buyout on a mutual option. The deal also includes $375,000 in incentives based on plate appearances.

Why it matters

Hays has been a reliable everyday player when healthy, but has dealt with injury setbacks in recent years. This signing represents a calculated risk for the White Sox as they look to bolster their outfield, with Hays' contract including a buyout on a mutual option that some may see as controversial.

The details

Hays had a solid 2025 season with the Cincinnati Reds, batting .266 with 15 home runs and 64 RBIs in 103 games. Despite some health issues, he has consistently contributed when on the field, with a 105 wRC+ and strong contact quality. Over his 7-year MLB career, Hays has a .262 batting average, 83 home runs, and 312 RBIs.

  • Hays signed the contract with the White Sox on April 13, 2026.

The players

Austin Hays

A 30-year-old All-Star outfielder who has spent the majority of his 7-year MLB career with the Baltimore Orioles, with stints also with the Philadelphia Phillies and Cincinnati Reds.

Chicago White Sox

A Major League Baseball team based in Chicago, Illinois that competes in the American League Central division.

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What they’re saying

“This contract is a significant step for Hays, who has been a reliable everyday player in the past, but has also dealt with health setbacks in recent years.”

— Jesse Rogers, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

The White Sox will look to Hays to provide a steady presence in their outfield, hoping he can stay healthy and productive throughout the 2026 season.

The takeaway

This signing represents a calculated risk for the White Sox, as they look to bolster their outfield with a talented but injury-prone player in Hays. The contract's buyout clause on a mutual option adds an interesting wrinkle, but if Hays can stay on the field, it could prove to be a savvy move for a team looking to contend.