Reds Sign Austin Hays to One-Year, $5 Million Deal

Austin Hays has signed a one-year, $5 million deal with the Cincinnati Reds, including an additional $1 million in performance incentives. Hays, who previously played for the Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies, hopes to revitalize his career after struggling with injuries and limited playing time, particularly during his tenure with the Phillies where he hit just .256 with two home runs in 22 games. Despite an All-Star selection in 2023, Hays faced challenges in 2024, including two stints on the injured list and a significant kidney infection. Hays brings experience from all three outfield positions and joins a Reds team looking to improve in the National League Central. His signing is part of a broader strategy by the Reds to enhance their roster with veteran talent. Hays is entering his age-29 season and aims to rebound from a difficult previous year, during which he also posted a .255 batting average over 85 games.