At SoxFest Live, Chris Getz could only smile when asked about Austin Hays’ reported signing. By Thursday, with the deal official, the White Sox GM was able to open up about what it means for the team.
“Last year, with having some outfielders like a Slater, a Tauchman, and Michael A. Taylor, this is in the vein of a veteran player, an offensive profile that we think really blends in well with this team. We view him as a corner outfielder. Years ago, he did play some center field, but it’s going to be on the wings on a fairly everyday basis … We feel like the White Sox will benefit when he’s in the lineup.”
The club formally announced its one-year deal with Hays a day earlier. Under terms of the agreement, he is set to make $5 million this season, with an $8-million mutual option for 2027 or a $1-million buyout.
Leading up to this signing, Hays has delivered solid production throughout his eight-year career. The 30-year-old is coming off a strong campaign with the Reds, where he hit .266/.315/.453 with 15 home runs and 64 RBI over 103 games. Those numbers translated to a .768 OPS and a 105 wRC+, both marks the White Sox would gladly take again in 2026 and potentially beyond.
Of course, health is Hays’ biggest question entering 2026. He opened last season on the injured list with a left calf strain, later missed time with a left hamstring issue, and dealt with a left foot contusion. He was also limited to just 85 games the year before that due to a kidney infection, though previous seasons do help ease any concerns just a bit.
Hays was a steady presence with the Orioles from 2021-23, appearing in at least 131 games each year. During that stretch, he earned an All-Star nod in 2023 and posted a combined .261/.313/.439 slash line with 54 home runs and 198 RBI.
“He had some health setbacks, and perhaps now that the health stuff’s behind him, his body’s feeling really good, we could tap back into him being the All-Star that he was in 2023,” Getz said. “That was the enticing part of bringing in Austin Hays, let alone the individual quality of the high character makeup that we wanted to also bring into our clubhouse.”
Getz further emphasized the value Hays brings to the team off the field, especially one with a young roster that’s still finding its footing.
“Whether it be Cincinnati or Baltimore, it was very clear in getting to know Austin more that he takes pride in helping other players and being a good teammate and [he] had plenty of stories of how he felt like he helped influence some of these younger players as they were getting comfortable at the Major League level … So that certainly was a factor.”
“I know in conversations with Will [Venable], as he was looking at this group, especially this outfield group. It’s a young, inexperienced group that, certainly, we can offer a runway, but it is nice to know that they’re going into this with someone that’s done it before. [Someone who] has gone through the ups and downs of this game and certain stretches and playing in certain environments. Austin can help relieve any of that.”
That emphasis on a young, developing roster was something that also appealed to Hays when making his decision.
“Going back into free agency, I really wanted to go somewhere where I would have an opportunity to … play every day, get back to being able to play both sides of the ball, play defense every day as well. And there’s a tremendous opportunity with Chicago to be able to do that. I got a lot to give, and I’m going to be able to give that here with this team… It’s a young, exciting team.”
“I’ve talked to some guys that I played with in the past that have been part of Chicago, and they said [the White Sox] got a really good thing going over here. They really liked the staff. They really liked the gel of the clubhouse and the guys.”
With Hays and Andrew Benintendi locking down the corner spots, the outfield picture is much clearer now than it was after the Luis Robert Jr. trade. Luisangel Acuña appears set to handle center field duties, while Brooks Baldwin, Jarred Kelenic, and LaMonte Wade Jr. figure to provide additional depth.
Looking at the bigger picture, this signing helps bridge the gap until Top 100 prospect Braden Montgomery is ready for the majors. While a debut could happen as early as the second half of 2026 if everything lines up, the team can be confident that right field is covered until then.
As for whether Getz is satisfied with the offseason heading into camp, he was candid.
“Never satisfied … We’re still looking for opportunities to improve this club, and there’s different ways of doing that. We do feel like that the heaviest of lifting has happened, but that doesn’t mean that we’re just going to sit here and pack it in and roll the balls out come day one of Spring Training.”
Whether any other moves will come to fruition remains to be seen. For now, the White Sox are hopeful that Hays, along with other experienced additions, can help guide a young team through its next phase.
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Featured Photo: © Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
