Yankees and Mets Eye Austin Hays: A Battle for an Outfielder

As the 2025 offseason progresses, the New York Yankees and the New York Mets are vying for the services of two compelling outfielders. While much attention has been focused on acquiring Cody Bellinger, it’s been reported by Jon Heyman that both teams are also considering veteran outfielder Austin Hays.

Austin Hays: The Profile

Stats and Performance

Austin Hays, 30, is seen more as a complementary bat than a full-time starter. His impressive performance against left-handed pitching makes him a valuable asset:

• Against Lefties: In 2024, while playing for the Cincinnati Reds, Hays boasted a remarkable slash line of .309/.400/.549 with an OPS of .949 against left-handed pitchers.
• Overall: For his career, Hays has maintained a .262 batting average, with 83 home runs and 312 RBIs across eight seasons.

Right-Handed Matchup

Interestingly, Hays showed a significant power surge against right-handed pitchers as well, hitting 13 of his 15 home runs against them despite a lower batting average of .249 against righties. This unique mix of offensive skills positions him as a possible platoon player in a lineup.

Why Are Teams Interested?

Both the Yankees and the Mets are assessing their options, with Hays emerging as a more "realistic" choice for the Yankees. Here’s a look at why he’s drawing attention:

• Potential Pairings: If Bellinger opts for another destination, the Yankees may consider a platoon arrangement in left field, particularly with rising stars like Jasson Dominguez or Spencer Jones.

• Depth in the Lineup: With left-handed hitters dominating the roster, Hays can provide a much-needed righty presence. This is crucial since both Bellinger and current options like Trent Grisham are lefties.

Current Context for the Yankees

The Yankees are navigating the offseason with a cautious approach, concentrating on their decision involving Bellinger before making significant moves. They’ve made low-key re-signings, such as Tim Hill and Ryan Yarbrough, as they await clarity on Bellinger’s status.

Flexibility Issues

Grisham’s return on a $22 million qualifying offer creates potential limitations, yet his power in center field contributes significantly to the Yankees’ lineup.

Quotes from Experts

Jon Heyman notes the urgency for the Yankees, suggesting that their pursuit of Hays could materialize swiftly if they fail to keep Bellinger.

Conclusion

As the offseason unfolds, the competition between the Yankees and Mets for Austin Hays adds an intriguing layer to the pursuit of outfield talent.

• Hays Final Stats: He transitioned from the Baltimore Orioles to the Cincinnati Reds, where he posted an overall OPS of .768 in 2024.
• Considerations Moving Forward: Whether the Yankees solidify their outfield with Hays hinges on the final outcome of their negotiation with Bellinger.

The stakes are high as both teams continue to refine their rosters to better compete in the next season. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting offseason unfolds.

For more insights on the Yankees and Mets, check out their official team websites and roster details.