Outfielder Austin Hays, 31, has signed a major league contract with the San Diego Padres. Utility man Gage Workman was optioned to Triple-A El Paso to create a roster spot.
Hays, a right-handed hitter, has only played in 12 games in the 2026 season. He was signed by the Chicago White Sox before the season but has spent most of the year on the injured list with leg injuries. Hays signed a $6 million one-year deal with Chicago on Feb. 4.
The White Sox activated him from the IL on Aug. 5, designated him for ***** ignment, and released him on Aug. 7. In his 12 games and 43 at-bats, Hays is hitting .233 with a .576 OPS with a home run and seven RBI.
Over his nine-season career, Hays has played for the Baltimore Orioles (2017-2024), Cincinnati Reds, and the White Sox. He has excelled against left-handed pitchers with a career average of .319 against left-handers versus a .255 average against right-handers.
In 2025, with the Reds, Hays played in 103 games. He had a .266 average and .768 OPS with 16 doubles, five triples, 15 homers and 64 RBI. He played both corner outfield spots and served as DH for the Reds. For the White Sox, he played right field and was a DH.
#hays #season
Hays, a right-handed hitter, has only played in 12 games in the 2026 season. He was signed by the Chicago White Sox before the season but has spent most of the year on the injured list with leg injuries. Hays signed a $6 million one-year deal with Chicago on Feb. 4.
The White Sox activated him from the IL on Aug. 5, designated him for ***** ignment, and released him on Aug. 7. In his 12 games and 43 at-bats, Hays is hitting .233 with a .576 OPS with a home run and seven RBI.
Over his nine-season career, Hays has played for the Baltimore Orioles (2017-2024), Cincinnati Reds, and the White Sox. He has excelled against left-handed pitchers with a career average of .319 against left-handers versus a .255 average against right-handers.
In 2025, with the Reds, Hays played in 103 games. He had a .266 average and .768 OPS with 16 doubles, five triples, 15 homers and 64 RBI. He played both corner outfield spots and served as DH for the Reds. For the White Sox, he played right field and was a DH.
#hays #season
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