Orioles Should Prioritize Re-Signing Austin Hays
Baltimore, MD – As the Orioles navigate the offseason following a historic 2023 season, retaining key contributors will be paramount to sustained success. Among those, right-handed outfielder Austin Hays emerges as a critical re-signing target, offering a potent bat against left-handed pitching and valuable clubhouse leadership.
Hays became a free agent after a productive 2025 campaign where he posted a .275 average with 16 home runs and 67 RBIs across 103 games,finishing with a .769 OPS. These numbers mirrored his 2023 All-Star season. While the Reds signed Hays to a one-year,$4 million contract with a $12 million mutual option for 2026,its widely anticipated that the option won’t be exercised,making him available once again.This presents the Orioles with an chance to address a clear offensive weakness and bolster their outfield depth.
The Orioles’ struggles against left-handed pitching were evident in 2025, with left-handed hitters combining to bat just .214 against southpaws. Hays, a right-handed bat, provides a important counterpoint, having hit .319 with a .949 OPS, two home runs, and 17 RBIs in 91 at-bats against lefties in 2025. This ability to consistently produce against opposite-handed pitchers is a crucial skill the Orioles currently lack.
Beyond his offensive contributions, Hays is valued for his leadership qualities and demonstrated toughness, consistently playing through injuries. At 30 years old, he remains capable of delivering key hits, particularly with the potential for playing time increased due to Anthony Santander being limited to 54 games in 2025 due to multiple injured list stints.
While other free agent options exist, such as Harrison Bader - who combined to hit.277 with a .796 OPS, 17 home runs, and 54 RBIs for the Phillies and Minnesota in 2025 and posted a career-high 4.2 WAR – prioritizing Hays offers a known commodity with a proven track record within the Orioles organization. A potential outfield pairing of Hays, Bader, Cedric Mullins, Ryan Mountcastle, and Colton Cowser could significantly improve the team’s offensive output and defensive flexibility.
