The Reds declined Hays' $12 million mutual option for 2026 on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Hays will be given a $1 million buyout. The 30-year-old slashed .266/.315/.453 with 15 home runs over 103 regular-season contests for the Reds in 2025. The right-handed-hitting Hays batted .319/.400/.549 against left-handed pitching this season and could draw interest as a short-side platoon outfielder in free agency.

Hays (back) will start in left field and bat cleanup Tuesday in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series versus the Dodgers.

EDGE Analysis

It's Hays' first start since Sept. 20, as he's been battling back spasms. He was able to see action as a pinch hitter in the final game of the regular season Sunday and will hit in the middle of the lineup against Blake Snell in the Dodgers as the Reds kick off postseason play.

Hays (back) is on the Reds' wild-card roster.

EDGE Analysis

Hays hasn't started a game since Sept. 20 due to back spasms, but he made a pinch-hitting appearance during Sunday's regular-season finale in Milwaukee and came out of it well enough to be included on his club's wild-card roster. With lefty Blake Snell starting Game 1 for the Dodgers on Tuesday, there's a good chance the right-handed-hitting Hays will be in the lineup.

Hays (back) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against Milwaukee.

EDGE Analysis

Hays took swings in the batting cage Saturday and felt good afterward, which is an encouraging sign, as he felt discomfort while hitting earlier in the week. Still, the outfielder will be idle for Cincinnati's regular-season finale. The Reds will clinch a spot in the postseason with a win or a Mets loss Sunday. It's unclear if Hays will be good to go in time for the wild-card round, however.

Hays (back) felt good after hitting in the batting cage Saturday, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hays had felt guarded with his injury in activities earlier in the week but came out of Saturday's session feeling "much better," according to Reds manager Terry Francona. Hays also did some running and agility drills on the field, but the team will monitor how he bounces back before making any decisions regarding his availability for Sunday's regular-season finale, a game in which the Reds can clinch a wild-card spot with a win (or a Mets loss).

Hays (back) is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against Milwaukee.

EDGE Analysis

Hays hasn't appeared in a game since Sept. 20 due to back spasms. Reds manager Terry Francona said Friday that Hays tried hitting Thursday and still felt discomfort. Spencer Steer will fill left field Saturday.

Reds manager Terry Francona said Friday that Hays (back) tried hitting Thursday and felt uncomfortable, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hays has not played since exiting last Saturday's game with back spams. A combination of Gavin Lux and Will Benson have played left field while Hays is out.

Hays (back) remains out of the lineup for Friday's game in Milwaukee.

EDGE Analysis

Hays hasn't played since Sept. 20 because of back spasms. He reported improvement Thursday but was not available off the bench, and it's unclear whether he'll make it back before the end of the season. Gavin Lux is in left field and batting third for the Reds on Friday.

Hays (back) was feeling better Thursday but not available to play, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hays, who didn't respond well to running earlier in the week, has missed the last four games. It's unclear when, or if, Hays will be able to rejoin the club, which is still in the hunt for a playoff spot. Reds manager Terry Francona indicated Thursday that placement on the injured list is unlikely, as that would force Hays to miss postseason action, should Cincinnati qualify. "I think we're much better off trying to see if we can nurse him through this and have him be available," the manager said. Will Benson has started in left field all four games without Hays.

Hays (back) remains out of the lineup for Thursday's contest versus the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

Hays will miss a fourth consecutive start as he deals with back spasms. It's unclear when, or if, he'll be able to return to the lineup before the end of the regular season. Will Benson will again start in left field for the Reds on Thursday.