Austin Hays' introductory comments should fire up White Sox fans

The Chicago White Sox have done their best to give fans hope for the 2026 season. After a few seasons of putting together a below-average product on the field, the South Siders could be an exciting team to watch this upcoming season. 

They have made some offseason moves that should put this team in a better position. They have added a group of arms that includes Anthony Kay, Sean Newcomb, Seranthony Dominguez, and Jordan hicks. They also added Munetaka Murakami to a two-year deal and acquired Luisangel Acuna and Truman Pauley in exchange for Luis Robert Jr in a trade with the New York Mets.

Most recently, they signed outfielder Austin Hays. The two sides agreed on a one-year, $6 million contract with a mutual option for the 2027 season. 

MORE: The arrival of Munetaka Murakami leads to a big clubhouse change

Austin Hays' introductory comments should fire up White Sox fans 

After trading Luis Robert Jr., the White Sox needed an outfielder they could depend on. So they went out and signed one of the best options still available. 

He is coming off a season with the Cincinnati Reds, where he hit .266/.315/.453 with 15 home runs and 64 runs batted in.

On Thursday, the club introduced Hays to the press. He spoke about his excitement to start with a new club and the opportunity he has been given, via CHSN. 

"I got a lot to give, and I'm going to be able to give that here with this team. And it's a young, exciting team... Being able to have this opportunity and then hearing nothing but good things about the clubhouse and the culture they have here."

Hays was looking for the best opportunity for himself in free agency, and after passing on a few teams like the San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs, chose the White Sox. This gives him the ability to play every day and be a vital part of the club in 2026. 

Don't be surprised if he comes out with something to prove when the season kicks off in a few weeks.

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