The Austin Hays era on the South Side came and went faster than anyone could have expected. The White Sox announced today that he has been designated for assignment, with Jon Heyman of the New York Post reporting that the veteran outfielder will be placed on release waivers. He will now look for an opportunity elsewhere.
After signing a one-year/$6 million contract in February, Hays ended up only playing 12 games total with the White Sox, hitting just one home run with a .576 OPS. In his defense, he never really got the opportunity to show what he could do. Hamstring and calf issues derailed his season before it ever really started. He began a rehab assignment in mid-July, but there was no longer a clear spot for him on the roster by the time he was ready to return. Randal Grichuk’s emergence made him redundant. The team wasn’t going to carry two right-handed hitting corner outfielders, and they ultimately chose Grichuk for that spot.
Hays’ departure marks the second notable free agent signing from last offseason to recently leave the team, as Seranthony Domínguez was dealt to the Mariners as part of the Luis Castillo trade a few days ago. Hays will likely clear waivers and could be an attractive option for contending teams in need of a platoon outfield bat.
Outfield Revolving Door
More than a dozen players have appeared in the outfield for the White Sox this season as they continue to search for a winning combination. The right-handed hitting side of the outfield in particular has changed drastically throughout the season. Derek Hill opened the season with the team and performed admirably, only to be traded to the Phillies in mid-June to make space for Everson Pereira coming off the injured list. Pereira’s time on the team was short-lived as well. Injuries derailed his season too and he was recently designated for assignment to make room for the newly acquired Brenton Doyle.
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It’s possible that Pereira could clear waivers and remain with the organization, but for now, it appears the team is content with Doyle and Grichuk as the right-handed counterparts for Sam Antonacci and Tristan Peters. The team has shedded quite a bit of outfield depth over the past couple of months, which could become problematic if more injuries pop up.
White Sox Aren’t Messing Around Anymore
The White Sox free agent signings from this past offseason have been a mixed bag. Hays and Domínguez were huge flops, but Munetaka Murakami and Sean Newcomb have been huge successes. Anthony Kay and Erick Fedde have also provided quality value for the contracts they signed. Spots on the 26 and 40-man rosters have been harder to come by with the team’s unexpected success this year, and DFAing a proven veteran like Hays is proof that the White Sox are no longer the place to be for injured players and reclamation projects trying to revive their careers.
