White Sox signing casts an ugly spotlight on Reds front office priorities

While the Cincinnati Reds keep dragging their feet, the Chicago White Sox continue making savvy moves. Chicago's latest signing stole a known Reds' target right out from under their noses as the White Sox agreed to a free-agent deal with outfielder Austin Hays.

The deal itself is reported to be a meager one-year pact for just $6 million (plus incentives) — a contract that's well within the Reds' budget. If Cincinnati is unable to cobble together $6 million in order to sign a player like Hays, one has to wonder where the Reds go from here.

Hays signed with the Reds last winter and became a fixture in the middle of their lineup, oftentimes batting cleanup behind All-Star shortstop Elly De La Cruz. Though he battled injuries and struggled to stay on the field at times, when Hays was in the Reds lineup, he was a difference maker. In 103 games last season, he hit .266/.315/.452 with 15 home runs, 64 RBI, and a 105 OPS+.

Reds missed out yet again after Austin Hays signs with the White Sox

Before the White Sox deal was reported by ESPN insider Jesse Rogers, New York Post columnist Jon Heyman connected the Reds as one of seven teams known to be in the mix to sign Hays. The former All-Star was also drawing interest from the San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers ,Detroit Tigers, and St. Louis Cardinals, and in the end chose the White Sox.

Hays' decision could've been built around playing time. While the White Sox are the least likely of the teams on his list to make a run at the post season, Chicago has an obvious hole in the outfield. While Cincinnati could've used his bat, he may have been more of a platoon option alongside Will Benson and JJ Bleday in left field.

Hays was arguably the last impact bat remaining on the free agent market who was within the Reds' budget. Cincinnati's front office has maintained all offseason that they plan to keep their 2026 payroll in line with last season's number. If that's still the case, the Reds only have about $7 million left to spend this offseason.