Padres Land Free Agent Former All-Star Outfielder
The San Diego Padres have added a right-handed bat to their lineup, signing free agent former All-Star outfielder Austin Hays to a major league deal for the rest of the season.
Outfielder Austin Hays is in agreement with the Padres on a major-league deal, source tells @TheAthletic
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 9, 2026
Hays was an All-Star in 2023 with the Baltimore Orioles, and had another solid season last year with the Cincinnati Reds, posting a .768 OPS.
He'll add an experienced bat to the Friars' outfield to face left-handers on the mound. He has a career .816 OPS against lefties.
Hays was recently cut loose by the Chicago White Sox after an injury-riddled run with the team this season. He is healthy at this point, and was just activated from the IL by the ChiSox this week, then immediately released.
The Houston Astros also had Hays on their radar, but you snooze, you lose in this business.
More to come...