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Reds Sign Former Orioles All-Star Austin Hays After Difficult Stretch with Phillies

The Cincinnati Reds have finally addressed their outfield needs, securing former Baltimore Orioles All-Star Austin Hays on a one-year, $5 million contract. According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, the deal also includes $1 million in incentives, as reported by C. Trent Rosecrans.

Throughout the offseason, the Reds were slow to make moves despite a clear need for another right-handed bat in the outfield. Before Hays’ signing, the team was set to rely on Spencer Steer, TJ Friedl, and Jake Fraley as their primary outfielders. While those players are still expected to contribute significantly in 2025, adding Hays helps balance the lineup and strengthens Cincinnati’s roster.

Hays Joins Reds After Challenging 2024 Season

Hays split last season between the Orioles and Philadelphia Phillies but struggled to replicate his All-Star form from 2023. Across just 85 games, he posted a .255/.303/.396 slash line with five home runs and 20 RBIs. His difficulties may have been influenced by an infection he battled for months, possibly dating back to his midseason trade to Philadelphia, according to The Athletic.

 

Now with Cincinnati, Hays is looking for a rebound year. From 2021 to 2023, he slashed .261/.313/.439 with a 109 OPS+, averaging 18 home runs per season. Playing half his games at Great American Ball Park—a known hitter-friendly stadium—could help him regain his power numbers.

While primarily a left fielder, Hays has also played right and center field. His offensive splits are relatively balanced, but he has posted an .800 OPS against left-handed pitching.

Hays may not be the everyday outfielder some Reds fans had hoped for, but given his contract, this signing could turn out to be a great value for general manager Nick Krall and the front office. Cincinnati has made similar short-term moves in the past with players like Tommy Pham and Wil Myers—this time, they hope for a more successful outcome.

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