The NL Central Division was chasing after the same free agent outfielder.

The Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals weren’t alone, either, in their pursuit of Austin Hays.

MLB insider Jon Heyman reports that these seven teams have been interested in Hays:

CubsRedsCardinalsRangersWhite SoxTigersPadres

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Heyman added in his report that “Hays is said to be deciding this weekend where he will sign.”

Only a few weeks out from spring training, it makes sense for Hays to finally make up his mind.

And now, Hays has made his decision: ESPN’s Jesse Rogers reports he’s going to the White Sox.

They get a useful outfielder with power and speed, while the other teams have to find a last-minute alternative to whatever role they would have planned for Hays.

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Hays spent the 2025 season with the Reds and put up a .768 OPS.

A right-handed hitter, Hays is particularly adept at batting against left-handed pitching. He also can play any of the outfield spots. 

And now, he brings that skill set to the White Sox as the entire NL Central misses out.

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