Austin Hays Seeks Every-Day Role with Chicago White Sox After Finding New Lease on Life

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Austin Hays is ready to take advantage of a fresh opportunity with the Chicago White Sox. After signing a $6 million, one-year contract on Wednesday, Hays is set to join the team's outfield rotation as a regular player. Following a string of health setbacks, Hays is looking to make the most of his chance to play every day and contribute to the rebuilding White Sox. 'I got a lot to give, and I'm excited to give that here with this team,' he said. Hays' addition to the White Sox outfield, which also includes Andrew Benintendi and Luisangel Acuña, is a significant boost to the team's lineup. The 30-year-old outfielder hit .266 with 15 homers and 64 RBIs for the Cincinnati Reds last season, helping the team make the playoffs for the first time since 2020. White Sox general manager Chris Getz believes that Hays' health issues are behind him, and he's poised to return to his All-Star form. 'He was an All-Star a couple of years ago,' Getz said. 'Now that the health stuff's behind him, his body's feeling really good, and we could tap back into him being the All-Star that he was in 2023.' Hays, a former Orioles and Phillies player, was traded to the Reds in July 2024 and hit .256 with two homers and six RBIs in 22 games while dealing with a kidney infection. However, he's now fully recovered and is looking forward to a healthy season. The White Sox are optimistic about their offseason additions, including Hays, Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami, and bullpen arms Seranthony Domínguez and Jordan Hicks. With a promising group of young position players, the team is looking to take another step forward after finishing last in the AL Central last year with a 60-102 record.