Seeking right-handed offense for the outfield has been a Reds priority throughout this offseason. With less than two weeks before Spring Training opens, it appeared that they could finally check that box.

New C Reds outfielder Austin Hays is a slightly above-average big-league hitter in his career with good splits against left-handed pitchers.

Hays’ exact role with the Reds is to be determined. After platooning for the first part of last season with the Baltimore Orioles, he was seeking more regular playing time and a one-year deal that would help him reestablish his value.