Height
5'10"
Weight
200 lbs
Age
30
College
Jacksonville
Draft
2016, Rd 3, #91
Experience
8 yrs
Bats/Throws
R/R
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsC-
| Year | Team | GP | AVG | HR | RBI | OPS | SB | H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 683 | 0.2620232 | 83 | 312 | 0.7478859 | 24 | 632 |
Current Contract
Length
1 year
Total Value
$6.0M
Guaranteed
$3.6M
AAV
$6.0M/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
Austin Hays' one-year, $6M deal with the White Sox earns a C+ CVI, reflecting a serviceable but unremarkable signing for a rebuilding franchise. The former Orioles outfielder has shown flashes of above-average production when healthy, including his 2021 breakout with 22 homers and solid defensive metrics, but his injury history and inconsistent plate discipline limit his ceiling as anything more than a serviceable starter. At $6M AAV, the White Sox aren't overpaying for a corner outfielder who projects as a 1-2 WAR contributor in a best-case scenario, but they're also not getting exceptional value given Hays' middling offensive profile and questions about his durability. The short-term nature of the contract makes sense for Chicago's timeline, as they can either flip him at the deadline if he performs well or simply let him walk without long-term commitment. While Hays brings veteran stability to a young roster, this represents the type of low-ceiling, moderate-floor move that keeps you competitive enough to avoid total embarrassment without meaningfully changing your trajectory.
Performance Analysis
Austin Hays grades as an All-Star caliber performer among MLB left fielders, earning a B+ Performance grade. He is hitting with a 0.262 batting average and a 0.748 OPS (near the league average of .720) this season. With 83 home runs and 312 RBI through 682 games (a 20-HR, 74-RBI pace over a full season), he brings moderate power to the lineup. His 24 stolen bases add an elite speed dimension that creates additional offensive value. As a prime-age veteran at 30, Austin is a key contributor for the White Sox. A 682-game sample provides high confidence in this grade.
Recent Games
| Date | OPP | Result | AB | H | R | HR | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, 4/5 | vs TOR | W 3-0 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Sat, 4/4 | vs TOR | W 6-3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
Transaction History
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