Outfielder Austin Hays has signed a one-year, $5 million deal with the Cincinnati Reds, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The contract also includes $1 million in performance-based incentives.
Last season, Hays spent time with the Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies. The Orioles traded Hays to the Phillies leading up to the trade deadline on July 26. Hays had three injured list stints during the regular season—one with the Orioles and two with the Phillies. He dealt with a kidney infection for most of September, but by the end of the regular season, Hays was able to return.
He also played during the Phillies’ postseason appearance, platooning with Brandon Marsh in left field. Hays is entering his age-29 season in 2025. He became a free agent once he was non-tendered by the Phillies in November.
Reds Reach Deal with Austin Hays
In 2024, Austin Hays posted a .255/.303/.396 slash line, hitting five home runs and driving in 20 RBIs over 85 games. He recorded a 98 wRC+ and a .318 BABIP, with a .303 wOBA and 26 runs scored. Hays’ strikeout rate was 23.1%, while his walk rate was 3.5%. Defensively, Hays struggled in left field, finishing with -8 Defensive Runs Saved, -3 Outs Above Average, and a -4 Fielding Run-Value. Notably, Hays earned an All-Star selection in 2023. Over his career, Hays has played all three outfield positions, with most of his time spent in left field, along with occasional stints in center and right field.
Hays made his major league debut with the Orioles in 2017, a year after they drafted in the MLB Draft. He spent time in each of three outfield spots but has played the majority of his career in left field. Hays owns a career .261 average and a .745 OPS. He’s looking to rebound from a down 2024 season that he split between the Orioles and Phillies.
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