White Sox sign free agent outfielder who would have been great fit with Guardians

Another day, another free agent outfielder signing somewhere other than Cleveland.

This time it was free agent outfielder Austin Hays, who inked a one-year, $6 million deal with the White Sox, per MLB insider Jon Heyman.

While Hays signing somewhere other than Cleveland was a bit of a predictable outcome given the fact that it seemed like he was looking to go to a team where he could get everyday playing time, it still stings to see him sign with another American League Central opponent.

Austin Hays spurns Guardians to sign with White Sox

Hays is coming off a season where he posted a .266/.315/.453 slashline to go along with 15 home runs and 64 RBI. While it's not the kind of production that he had during his All-Star season in 2023, it's still above-average production from a platoon outfielder.

And that's also the kind of production the Guardians need from their outfielders since they're coming off a season where they had one of the worst outfields in all of baseball.

But it seems like Chris Antonetti and Co. didn't want to put anyone in the way of the team's young outfielders, which is why it seems like their interest in Hays never rose above a cursory check in.

But now Hays should get plenty of playing time with the White Sox thanks to the fact they traded Luis Robert Jr. to the Mets while also still having a work in progress on the grass.

Andrew Benintendi is spending more and more time at designated hitter which should open up some spots in left, and the competition for the other two spots in the outfield consists of guys like Derek Hill, Everson Pereira and Jarred Kelenic.

All semi-intiguting options, but no one who should stand in Hays' way.

Although the White Sox are still a year or two away from truly competing with for the American League Central crown, Hays' signing in the cherry on top of what's been a strong offseason for them.

First off, it seems like they have a clear vision, which hasn't been the case in the past. But they also did a good job getting prospects in return for Robert while also signing Munetaka Murakami and other impact veterans.

The silver lining of Hays signing elsewhere is that the Guardians now don't have any excuse to not give Chase DeLauter, George Valera, Petey Halpin and others a chance to earn an Opening Day outfield spot.

While adding Hays to the mix would have helped the Guardians' outfield in the short-term, the Guardians front office decided to take a long-term approach toward the future of the young prospects in their outfield.