The New York Yankees are weighing their options for the 2026 MLB season, and are actively exploring potential outfielders should they fail to re-sign Cody Bellinger. it’s a familiar story for baseball fans: plan A, and then a very careful plan B.
among the names surfacing as a possible fallback is Austin Hays, a former Philadelphia Phillies outfielder who revitalized his career last season with the Cincinnati Reds. Hays’ versatility and offensive output have reportedly drawn interest from multiple teams, including the new York Mets.
Hays delivered a strong performance in cincinnati, finishing with a .266/.315/.453 slash line, 15 home runs, 60 runs scored, and a .768 OPS across 101 hits. While his WAR (0.8) wasn’t breathtaking, his contributions were valuable as the Reds pushed for a postseason berth.
The Yankees’ interest became more concrete this week, with Jon heyman of the New York Post reporting that the team has already reached out to Hays’ representatives. Heyman wrote via X: “The Yankees also have checked in on Austin Hays. Hays becomes more realistic for them if they are unable to retain their No. 1 target Cody Bellinger.”
Austin Hays #12 of the Cincinnati Reds reacts to hitting a three-run home run. Jason Mowry/Getty Images
Mets’ Interest Adds competition
The new York Mets are also considering Hays as they seek to improve an outfield that lacked consistency in the previous season. His right-handed bat and ability to play regularly make him a logical fit for a team prioritizing lineup balance without a long-term commitment.
As teams continue to shape their rosters, Hays’ next destination could significantly impact the outfield landscape for multiple contenders heading into the 2026 season.