Signing this unheralded free agent would solidify Reds' outfield heading into 2025

The Cincinnati Reds have been busy this winter in an effort to field a team that should contend for the postseason and, perhaps, even the NL Central title. However, we have reached the point of the offseason where Cincinnati might be wrapping up their moves. But one more player would help to cap off a fine winter. The Reds front office doesn't appear to want to spend much more before Opening Day, so free agent options can be limited.

Cincinnati needs another outfielder, however, have shown interest in a few non-expensive bats. If seeking a cheaper option is their intent, the Reds might consider going after veteran outfielder Austin Hays; a player who has been surprisingly overlooked this offseason.

Signing Austin Hays would solidify Reds' outfield heading into 2025

Hays, 29, has been on a bit of a rollercoaster these past two years. He was named an All-Star in 2023 with the Baltimore Orioles after smacking 35-plus doubles for a second-straight season. But his 2024 campaign was a bit different, and he was eventually traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in an attempt to push the NL East frontrunners further in the postseason.

He was not great in Philadelphia after battling a kidney infection. Hayes hit just .256 in 22 games before missing most of if the month of September. This has caused Hays to be somewhat overlooked in the free agent market this winter, but he still can contribute to a winning team.

Hays is an electrifying player on both sides of the ball when he is healthy. Hays' rather mundane market might allow the Reds to sign him to a team-friendly deal. Hays crushes left-handed pitching, and is a lifetime .277 hitter against southpaws alongside an .800 OPS.

The Reds will face plenty of lefties in the NL Central this summer, including the Chicago Cubs' duo of Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga, as well as St. Louis Cardinals' starter Steven Matz. Cincinnati could benefit from Hays' success as they effort to jump each of those clubs; both of whom finished above the Reds in 2024.

Although most of Hays' MLB experience is in left field (395 games), he has logged 137 in right field and 70 in center field. The Reds would be able to use him as needed, and on a short-term deal, signing Hays feels like a win-win scenario for the 2025 season.

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