Houston Astros reporter Chandler Rome is reporting that the team is searching for right-handed hitting outfield help.
While the MLB trade deadline has come and gone, there are still plenty of capable players who can be picked up via free agency.
MLBTR.com’s Anthony Franco wrote (about the Stros’ need for another OF): “It seems likely theyâll add someone on a major league contract. Signing a recently released player wouldnât come at much financial cost, as theyâd be on the prorated $780K league minimum (with their former teams on the hook for the rest of their salaries).”
Two names that have been mentioned are recently released player Rob Refsnyder and Austin Hays.
Hays could be a better fit due to his defensive versatility and ability to play all three OF spots.
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Should the Astros Target Austin Hays?
GettySAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – MAY 01: Austin Hays #21 of the Chicago White Sox at bat during a game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on May 01, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
If the Houston Astros are to sign either Refsnyder or Austin Hays, their salaries would be prorated to league minimum due to both players being released from their respective (former) organizations.
Before their series with the Padres, Houston optioned Zach Dezenzo in favor of Jake Meyers, but Meyers doesn’t exactly light up the world on offense. Franco also noted (about) Meyers’ production this season:
“Meyers entered tonightâs game with a .206/.264/.316 line in 52 big league contests on the season. Heâd hit .211/.283/.311 across 24 games in Triple-A since being optioned on July 4. Although Meyers is a quality defender, thereâs clear room for an offensive upgrade in that platoon role.”
While Austin Hays has struggled with injuries this season, which has limited his playing time and production at the plate, he’s a much more tenured hitter than both Meyers and Rob Refsnyder.
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Looking at Austin Hays’ 2026 Season/MLB Career
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 30: Austin Hays #21 of the Chicago White Sox watches his three-run home run ball in the third inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on March 30, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Austin Hays has played in parts of nine MLB seasons, with the first seven campaigns coming with the Baltimore Orioles, where he was an All-Star outfielder in 2023.
In just 12 games (43 at-bats), Austin Hays is batting just .233 this season with one home run and seven RBIs.
However, across 103 games with the Cincinnati Reds last season, Hays posted an OPS+ of 108 in 380 at-bats.
Over 2451 career ABs, Austin Hays has batted .262 with 84 home runs, 319 RBI, and a lifetime OPS+ of 106, which signals he’s always been an above-average hitter (when healthy).
It’s certainly a low-cost signing that the Houston Astros should consider to aid in their final regular-season push.
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