On Saturday, the Chicago White Sox added to the outfield by signing a veteran leader for the young clubhouse in 2026.
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The White Sox recently traded center fielder Luis Robert Jr. to the New York Mets, sending a key piece of the team to a new city.
With Chicago needing help in the outfield this offseason, the team is adding a 2023 All-Star for the upcoming season.
Per Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the White Sox are set to sign Austin Hays to a one-year deal worth $6 million.
“Austin Hays is in agreement with the White Sox on a 1-yr, $6M contract … so far have used $$ made available by trading Robert Jr on Dominguez for pen and 1 of better RH vs LHP options in Hays,” Sherman posted on X.
Austin Hays is in agreement with the White Sox on a 1-yr, $6M contract … so far have used $$ made available by trading Robert Jr on Dominguez for pen and 1 of better RH vs LHP options in Hays.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) January 31, 2026
Can Austin Hays play All-Star baseball for Chicago White Sox?
Sep 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cincinnati Reds left fielder Austin Hays (12) advances to third base on a single from Cincinnati Reds first baseman Spencer Steer (7) (not pictured) during the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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Hayes, 30, hit .315, .453, .768 with an OPS of 105 in 2025. He hit 15 home runs and added 64 RBI for the Cincinnati Reds.
When returning to the field last season after dealing with kidney issues, Hays wanted to prove he could return to All-Star form.
“I just want to be myself in a uniform again,” Hays said, via MLB.com. “I just want to prove I am myself and back to who I can be on the field, the level of effort I can play with. I felt unable to get there when I was playing through the stuff I went through last year.
“Just the energy I play with, I felt so low. I was doing all I could do to get through games. I had always been a high-energy player. That’s how I play the game.”
Hays should be a bright spot on the White Sox roster during his one season with the club. If he can return to his All-Star form this summer, Chicago could win some extra games as they continue their long rebuild on the South Side.
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