In Cincinnati, former All-Star outfielder Austin Hays has secured a one-year contract worth $5 million with the Reds, which includes the potential to earn an additional $500,000 through performance incentives related to his plate appearances.

This season, Hays is set to receive a base salary of $4 million, a part of the agreement reached on January 30. The contract features a mutual option for the 2026 season valued at $12 million, accompanied by a $1 million buyout clause.

At 29 years old, Hays stands to benefit from performance bonuses, receiving $100,000 when he reaches 400 plate appearances, with additional payments of the same amount for every subsequent 50 appearances up to 600. Having been named an All-Star during the 2023 season with the Baltimore Orioles, he could earn a $125,000 bonus should he earn another All-Star selection. Additionally, Hays is eligible for another $125,000 for achievements like winning the Gold Glove, the Silver Slugger, or the Comeback Player of the Year award.

In the 2023 season, he posted a batting average of .275, alongside 16 home runs and 67 RBIs. After being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies on July 26, he faced challenges due to a kidney infection and concluded the season with a .303 average, five home runs, and 20 RBIs after batting .256 with two home runs and six RBIs in 22 games with Philadelphia. He became a free agent last November after the Phillies chose not to extend a contract offer for the 2025 season.

Previously, Hays had a $6.3 million salary in the last season, following a successful arbitration hearing.

In addition, left-handed pitcher Wade Miley has entered into a minor league deal, which was finalized on February 4. Should he play in the major leagues, Miley’s salary would amount to $2.5 million, while he would earn $300,000 if he remains in the minor leagues and is added to the 40-man roster. The 39-year-old has the potential to make up to $1.5 million in performance incentives, accruing $15,000 for each inning he pitches, covering the first 100 innings.

Miley, an All-Star with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2012, holds an overall record of 108 wins and 99 losses, with a career ERA of 4.07 across 310 starts and seven relief appearances over 14 years in the Major Leagues. Last April, he recorded 0 wins and 1 loss with a 6.43 ERA in two starts for the Milwaukee Brewers before undergoing Tommy John surgery on May 7.