The Chicago White Sox are committing to what has already been working for them so far this season.
After two historically bad seasons in 2024 and 2025, the White Sox have emerged as a contender in the American League with a 59-53 record.
Things are clicking for the lineup it already has. This has led to the team’s plan to release outfielder Austin Hays on waivers, the New York Post’s Jon Heyman announced.
Injuries Have Limited Austin Hays to 12 Games in 2026
GettyOutfielder Austin Hays has battled constant lower-body injuries over the past three seasons with different teams. Limited to just 12 games in 2026, the former All-Star was let go by the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The Chicago White Sox signed Austin Hays to a one-year, $6 million deal ahead of the 2026 season. However, the 31-year-old hasn’t panned out with the new team.
Hays picked up an early right hamstring strain in an April 6 game against the Baltimore Orioles. It led to Hays missing three weeks before returning to the White Sox’s lineup on April 28.
Just three games back from the initial hamstring strain, Hays suffered a more serious right calf strain that resulted in an injured list stint, retroactive to May 2.
A setback during a minor league assignment resulted in the White Sox transferring him to the 60-day IL in June. The former All-Star has since started a rehab assignment in Triple-A Charlotte. However, he will look to move on to a new team after being released.
Hays is productive at the plate when healthy. Through the 12 contests he’s played in for the White Sox this season, Hays is hitting .233/.250/.326 with one home run and seven RBI.
In 2025 with the Cincinnati Reds, Hays was mostly healthy. Through 103 games, the outfielder hit .266/.315/.453 with 15 home runs, 64 RBI, and seven stolen bases.
White Sox Seek First AL Central Title Since 2021
GettyThe Chicago White Sox have emerged as a contender in the American League. Chicago has held the AL Central lead for nearly two months with a 59-53 record. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
Labeled as one of the more surprising teams in the MLB this season, the White Sox are in the hunt for their first AL Central title since 2021.
Led by All-Star outfielder Miguel Vargas and rookie first baseman Munetaka Murakami, the White Sox hold a 59-53 record. Chicago took the lead in the division in June and has kept it since then.
Heading into Wednesday, the White Sox hold a three-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians (57-57) for the division lead.
With less than two months left in the regular season, the White Sox seek a spot in the postseason for the first time since their AL Central title in 2021.
White Sox Plan to Release Former All-Star Outfielder Amid Injury-Plagued Season