Austin

Hays

We’re not at all sure a merely competent outfielder was a thing the White Sox already needed with Andrew Benintendi already locked into the lineup, but Hays should be a steady enough presence, even if he is a below average hitter against right-handers. Since he’s potentially more valuable as a fourth outfielder starting against lefties, there’s also the bonus that he could be attractive to contenders at the deadline. Playing for the Reds last year, he hit .266/.315/.453, giving him a 105 OPS+ that’s right in line with his career mark of 106.

Hays represents an interesting dice roll for the rebuilding White Sox since they should be able to flip him to a contending team for a prospect package at the trade deadline. The 30-year-old veteran drew interest from the Mets, Yankees and Cardinals this offseason but will take over as one of Chicago’s corner outfield options in the aftermath of the Luis Robert Jr. trade earlier this month. He posted a respectable .266/.315/.453 slash line with 15 homers and seven steals across 103 games for the Reds last season. He projects as a borderline top-60 outfielder for fantasy purposes, which limits his appeal to deeper formats as a low-ceiling, late-round selection in drafts this spring.

Hays rebounded somewhat last season after some health struggles in 2024, posting a 105 OPS+ in 416 plate appearances for the Reds. He still might be an everyday guy on an also-ran, but contenders would presumably want him as a platoon guy against left-handers, albeit one who is a capable fallback as a full-timer if injuries strike.

The Mets are looking to add an outfielder, and while they would prefer a centerfielder, they are reportedly interested in seeing if Hays could play left field for them. The 30-year-old was good for the Reds when healthy last year, slashing .266/.315/.453 with 15 home runs and seven steals in 103 games. The issue is that he couldn’t stay healthy. Hays feels more like a fourth outfielder on a contender, and it remains to be seen just how interested the Mets are.

Hays is one of three players that the Reds declined options on, with Brent Suter and Scott Barlow joining Hays. The 30-year-old outfielder dealt with injuries for much of the 2025 season, but he did post a solid .768 OPS with 15 homers and 64 RBI in his 103 appearances with Cincinnati. He’ll certainly have interest on the market, even with his injury history and less-than-spectacular defense.

Stewart will get an opportunity in the heart of Cincinnati’s lineup to face Dodgers co-ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto after coming off the bench during the late stages of Tuesday’s series opener. The 21-year-old top prospect adds some serious thunder to the middle of the order in a win-or-go-home spot for the Reds after homering five times in 18 regular-season contests after being called up in early September. Here’s the full lineup: TJ Friedl (CF), Spencer Steer (LF), Gavin Lux (DH), Austin Hays (RF), Stewart (1B), Elly De La Cruz (SS), Tyler Stephenson (C), Ke’Bryan Hayes (3B) and Matt McLain (2B).

Hays missed seven consecutive games to close out the regular season due to back spasms. The 30-year-old corner outfielder is back in left field and batting cleanup against lefty Blake Snell on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. Here’s the full lineup: TJ Friedl (CF), Noelvi Marte (RF), Miguel Andujar (DH), Hays (LF), Spencer Steer (1B), Elly De La Cruz (SS), Tyler Stephenson (C), Ke’Bryan Hayes (3B) and Matt McLain (2B).

Hays was able to take batting practice earlier this weekend, but the Reds are going to keep him out of action for Sunday’s pivotal regular-season finale with their playoff hopes on the line. The 30-year-old corner outfielder hasn’t played since last weekend due to back spasms, but it sounds like he’ll be ready for the postseason, if Cincinnati makes it.

The 30-year-old outfielder missed his sixth consecutive game on Saturday due to a lingering back issue. It sounds like he could be ready to return any day now, depending on how he’s feeling. If it’s not Sunday, the Reds are hoping that he would be available for the start of the postseason, provided they’re able to secure the final Wild Card berth in the National League.

Spencer Steer heads out to left field with top prospect Sal Stewart covering first base with Hays still out of the lineup due to a lingering back issue. The 30-year-old corner outfielder hasn’t played since last weekend. It’s a pivotal matchup for the Reds as they control their own destiny for the final NL Wild Card playoff spot heading into the final weekend of the regular season.