As the 2025-26 MLB offseason rolls on, the Winter Meetings may be in the rearview mirror, but the hot stove is still simmering. Teams are reshaping rosters, weighing trade options, and scanning the free-agent market for the right pieces to complete their puzzle. With Christmas Eve upon us, here’s a look at a couple of moves and rumors that could have ripple effects across the league.
Yankees Monitoring Austin Hays as Outfield Contingency Plan
The Yankees are keeping tabs on veteran outfielder Austin Hays as they continue to explore options to bolster their outfield depth. According to reports, New York’s interest in Hays is conditional-they’re expected to make a move only if Cody Bellinger, one of their top offseason priorities, ends up signing elsewhere.
Hays, now 30, has quietly put together a solid MLB career with a blend of consistency and situational value. His career OPS+ sits at 106, indicating he’s been a tick above league average as a hitter over eight seasons.
Last year, he posted a 105 OPS+ while playing for the Reds, showing he’s still capable of contributing offensively. One area where Hays has consistently delivered is against left-handed pitching, where he owns a career OPS of .819-a valuable asset for any team looking to add a righty bat with pop.
He’s also no stranger to the All-Star stage, having earned his first selection back in 2023 as a member of the Orioles. With a career WAR of 10.8, Hays brings more than just a bat-he’s a reliable defender and a veteran presence who could fit nicely into a platoon or fourth outfielder role.
The Yankees aren’t alone in their interest. The Mets and Royals have also been linked to Hays, suggesting his market is heating up as teams look to solidify their rosters before spring training. For the Yankees, though, Hays appears to be more of a Plan B-one that hinges on how the Bellinger sweepstakes play out.
Marlins Land Pete Fairbanks in One-Year Deal
The Marlins have addressed a key need in their bullpen, signing veteran reliever Pete Fairbanks to a one-year, $13 million deal. The 32-year-old right-hander spent the last three seasons as the closer for the Rays, and now he brings his high-octane stuff to Miami, where he’s expected to take on a high-leverage role.
Fairbanks entered the free-agent market somewhat unexpectedly after the Rays declined his club option earlier this offseason. While durability has been a concern-this past season was the first time he cleared 50 innings-there’s no denying the quality of his arsenal. His slider remains one of the nastiest in the game, and even with a dip in his strikeout rate, he’s still capable of missing bats when it matters most.
The Marlins were in the market for bullpen help, especially after losing Ronny Henriquez to Tommy John surgery. Fairbanks gives them a proven late-inning option who’s been tested in the AL East pressure cooker and knows how to handle the big moments. If he can stay healthy, this could be a high-upside signing for a team looking to stay competitive in a crowded NL East.
As the offseason continues to unfold, moves like these-whether it’s a potential outfield addition in the Bronx or a bullpen upgrade in Miami-can make all the difference come October. With more dominoes still to fall, the next few weeks should be just as intriguing as the Winter Meetings themselves.