Padres add outfield depth with signing of Austin Hays

Austin Hays. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Padres add outfield depth with signing of Austin Hays

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Aug 9, 2026 3:42 PM ET

The San Diego Padres have lacked consistent outfield play throughout the entirety of the season.

Entering play on Sunday, the Padres outfielders have accumulated 2.7 Wins Above Average this season. That ranks 12th in the National League and 23rd in all of baseball.

San Diego's front office is hoping to boost that production with a signing of a veteran outfielder on Sunday afternoon.

Austin Hays is headed to the Padres

According to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, the Padres are in agreement with Austin Hays on a major league deal.

Hays appeared in 12 games for the Chicago White Sox earlier this season, posting a slash line of .233/.250/.326 in 43 at-bats.

For his career, Hays has slashed .262/.312/.453 with 84 home runs and 319 RBI across 2,451 at-bats.

Outfielder Austin Hays is in agreement with the Padres on a major-league deal, source tells @TheAthletic
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 9, 2026

Platoon against left-handers is likely the role

Hays has shown great success against left-handers in each of the previous three seasons, meaning that will likely be his role with the Padres.

That role has recently been occupied by Jase Bowen, but his low average of just .171 this season could signal a sign of changes coming when Hays arrives.

San Diego will need Hays to be productive down the stretch, as it entered Sunday just one game out of the third and final NL wild-card spot.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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