White Sox just gifted the Rangers an obvious outfield target with latest DFA

The Texas Rangers may not have gotten a right-handed-hitting outfielder ahead of the trade deadline, but that doesn't mean it's too late to acquire one. The Chicago White Sox designated outfielder Austin Hays for assignment, gifting the Rangers an obvious post-deadline target. The team could have the chance to claim him off waivers or hope he clears waivers and then sign him.

The White Sox signed Hays to a one-year, $6 million contract this past offseason. He appeared in just 12 games with Chicago before being placed on the injured list with a left calf strain in early May. Hays struggled with the White Sox, slashing just .233/.250/.326 in 44 plate appearances, but the Rangers should still attempt to acquire the veteran bat.

Austin Hays would be perfect platoon bat for the Rangers

What the Rangers need is a lefty killer to play in the outfield. Evan Carter struggles mightily against left-handers, creating a need for an established platoon bat. Hays could be the perfect fit for the Rangers, as he hit southpaws at a .319/.400/.549 clip last season. In his career vs. lefties, the outfielder is slashing .282/.339/.477 with 25 home runs and 88 RBI in 820 plate appearances. Hays would also be a strong bench piece for the Rangers to use as a pinch-hitter against left-handers late in games.

Hays hasn't been great against right-handers throughout his MLB career, hitting just .253/.300/.414 in 1,844 plate appearances. Still, he isn't a black hole against same-handed pitching, and Texas should acquire him to bolster their lineup vs. left-handers and bench.

Unfortunately, Hays' defensive metrics have fallen off dramatically over the past few years. The outfielder recorded -10 Defensive Runs Saved from 2024-25. From 2021-23, he posted 29 DRS. Regardless, he'd be a solid platoon bat for Texas. As long as Wyatt Langford is out in center while Hays is in left field, the Rangers' outfield defense should be just fine. The Rangers could also have Hays serve as the designated hitter over Pederson against southpaws if the team wants Carter in the lineup for his defense.

Hays made his MLB debut with the Orioles in 2017. He played for the Orioles until being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies at the 2024 trade deadline. After the 2024 season, Hays signed a one-year, $5 million deal with the Cincinnati Reds. In his nine-year big-league career, Hays has posted 10.1 bWAR with 84 home runs and 319 RBI.

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