SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – MAY 01: Austin Hays #21 of the Chicago White Sox at bat during a game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on May 01, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) Getty
MIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 30: Austin Hays #21 of the Chicago White Sox watches his three-run home run ball in the third inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on March 30, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) Getty
MESA, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 20: Austin Hays #21 of the Chicago White Sox flips his bat after hitting a solo home run against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning of a spring training game at Sloan Park on February 20, 2026 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) Getty
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 07: Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres looks toward the dugout after hitting a home run against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning at Petco Park on August 07, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) Getty
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – AUGUST 05: Fernando Tatis Jr #23 of the San Diego Padres celebrates his solo home run with Gavin Sheets #30 against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the ninth inning at Chase Field on August 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. Diamondbacks won 10-4. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) Getty
The San Diego Padres have inked outfielder Austin Hays to a major-league contract, as reported by Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic.
Rosenthal stated (X): “Outfielder Austin Hays reached an agreement with the Padres on a major-league deal, source tells @TheAthletic.”
Hays, boasting nine years of MLB experience, was recently let go by the Chicago White Sox.
San Diego Padres Sign Recently Released Chicago White Sox Outfielder Austin Hays
Chicago White Sox v San Diego Padres
GettySAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – MAY 01: Austin Hays #21 of the Chicago White Sox batting during a game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on May 01, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
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The White Sox secured Hays, 31, with a one-year, $6 million contract in the offseason.
Hays encountered a right hamstring strain in early April. He was reinstated from the IL about three weeks later but was placed on the IL again about a week later due to a left calf strain.
Chicago White Sox v Miami Marlins
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 30: Austin Hays #21 of the Chicago White Sox observes his three-run home run ball in the third inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on March 30, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The White Sox ultimately moved Hays to the 60-day injured list.
Chicago finally activated him on August 5, but subsequently designated him for assignment on the same day.
Chicago White Sox v Chicago Cubs
GettyMESA, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 20: Austin Hays #21 of the Chicago White Sox flips his bat after hitting a solo home run against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning of a spring training game at Sloan Park on February 20, 2026 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
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Hays cleared waivers, enabling the Padres to recruit him for the league minimum.
Hays has recorded a .233/.250/.326 average with one home run, one double, and seven RBI across 44 plate appearances in 12 games this season.
San Diego Padres’ Current Situation
Houston Astros v San Diego Padres
GettySAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 07: Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres gazes toward the dugout after connecting on a home run against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning at Petco Park on August 07, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
The Padres are currently engaged in a three-game series with the Houston Astros at Petco Park. Houston secured the first game with a 6-3 victory on Friday, while San Diego took the second game 3-2 on Saturday.
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The final showdown is scheduled to commence at 5:20 p.m. PDT on Sunday, with broadcast available on NBC and Peacock.
San Diego Padres v Arizona Diamondbacks
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – AUGUST 05: Fernando Tatis Jr #23 of the San Diego Padres rejoices after hitting a solo home run alongside Gavin Sheets #30 against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the ninth inning at Chase Field on August 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks won 10-4. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
San Diego has emerged victorious in six of its last ten matches. The team is only one game behind the Philadelphia Phillies and Arizona Diamondbacks for the third National League Wild Card position, holding a 61-57 record.
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In the National League West division, the Padres are trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers by 9 1/2 games for the division lead.
Following the series against the Astros, the Padres will host the Milwaukee Brewers for a three-game series starting on Monday.
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