Padres Eye $5 Million All-Star Austin Hays as Potential Trade Target Before Deadline
The San Diego Padres are actively seeking a left fielder and could look to acquire former free-agent target Austin Hays before the trade deadline.
Hays, who has split his time between left field and designated hitter this season, would likely be used primarily in the field if the Padres trade for him. Though Hays became a free agent after the 2024 season, he signed with the Cincinnati Reds ahead of the 2025 campaign, despite being on the Padres’ shortlist.
Hays has been a stellar addition for the Reds, boasting a .303/.346/.555 slash line in 31 games this season. His six home runs and 25 RBIs are already higher than his totals from 85 games last season.
The Padres, in dire need of a left fielder, see Hays as an ideal fit.
Jason Heyward, the Padres’ regular left fielder, was placed on the injured list for the second time this season on May 24 due to a left oblique strain. Gavin Sheets has filled in for him, but the Padres don’t consider him a long-term solution.
This season, Padres left fielders have the worst on-base percentage in MLB, as well as the third-lowest batting average and slugging percentage.
Hays is under a one-year, $5 million contract with the Reds, with a $12 million mutual option for 2026. This gives the Padres the possibility of keeping him for a second season if he proves to be a valuable addition.
Hays is just one of several options being considered to fill the void left by Jurickson Profar in left field after his All-Star season. Whether the Padres act on this interest remains to be seen.
Before the trade deadline, the Padres must address their left-field struggles, as they continue to fall behind in the NL West standings. They are currently two games back of both the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants, who are tied for first place.
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