"Going back into free agency, I really wanted to go somewhere where I would have an opportunity to do that, play every day, get back to being able to play both sides of the ball, play defense every day as well," Hays told reporters (link via Jay Cohen of The Associated Press)."
"Hays played a semi-regular role with Cincinnati a year ago. He started a little over half the team's games but got a decent amount of action as a designated hitter, playing just over 500 innings in left field. That wasn't entirely a decision based on usage. Hays had a trio of early-season injured list stints, all related to different areas of his left leg. He had battled a kidney infection in 2024. His most recent full season came in 2023, when he hit .275/.325/.444 in 566 plate appearances with the Orioles."
"Hays was an above-average everyday player in Baltimore for a few seasons. His recent production has been far more platoon dependent. The righty hitter has mashed left-handed pitching at a .335/.402/.543 clip over the past two years. His .233/.273/.387 line against righties is far less imposing."
"The White Sox had arguably the worst right field situation in MLB before the Hays signing. He'll be in the lineup against pitchers of either handedness and said he's shooting to reach 140 games played. If he's producing, he's likely to be a midseason trade chip and might fit in more of a complementary role on a contender, but the immediate focus is on reestablishing himself as a viable everyday player."
Austin Hays agreed to a $6MM deal with the Chicago White Sox with the goal of winning regular outfield playing time and playing both offense and defense daily. He played semi-regularly with Cincinnati in 2024, was used often as a designated hitter, and logged just over 500 innings in left field. He missed time with multiple left-leg injury stints and battled a 2024 kidney infection. His last full season was 2023 (.275/.325/.444 in 566 plate appearances with Baltimore). He hits much better versus lefties (.335/.402/.543) than righties (.233/.273/.387). The White Sox expect frequent usage, a 140-game target, and view him as a possible midseason trade asset if he produces. Andrew Benintendi remains the left fielder under a large remaining contract.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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