The New York Mets aren’t swinging for the fences this offseason-they’re working the count, looking for value pitches to drive. Instead of chasing big names and blockbuster deals, they’re focused on filling gaps with practical, low-risk solutions.
That’s exactly why a name like Austin Hays is surfacing in internal discussions. It’s not headline-grabbing, but it fits the Mets’ current strategy like a glove.
Left field remains a bit of a riddle in Queens. The Mets are trying to strike a balance: power vs. platoon flexibility, short-term stability vs. long-term upside.
They’ve been burned before by a lack of production against left-handed pitching, and they’re determined not to let that happen again. At the same time, they don’t want to commit big money that could limit their options down the road.
Enter Hays. According to a report from Jon Heyman, the Mets have internally discussed the former Orioles outfielder as a potential addition.
He’s coming off a 2024 campaign with Cincinnati, where he quietly handled lefties with authority-slashing .319/.400/.549 against southpaws. That’s not just solid; that’s the kind of production that can stabilize a lineup and give a manager real matchup flexibility.
Hays fits the mold of what the Mets are targeting: a right-handed bat who can hold down left field without demanding a long-term commitment. He’s not a star, but he’s reliable-exactly the kind of bridge option the Mets need as they wait for top prospect Carson Benge to mature into an everyday role.
Moves like this also hint at a broader direction. The Mets are prioritizing depth and roster balance over splashy signings.
That likely means they’re steering away from high-profile, high-price options like Cody Bellinger, especially with their preference for short-term deals. Instead, they’re piecing together a lineup that can compete now without compromising their future flexibility.
Of course, Hays isn’t the only name in the mix. The Mets are actively scanning the market for right-handed power, and Miguel Andujar has emerged as another intriguing option.
According to a report from Tim Boyle, Andujar is firmly on the Mets’ radar. He brings a similar skill set to Hays-right-handed pop, experience in left field and third base, and even a bit of time at first base.
And last season, he crushed lefties to the tune of a .389/.409/.578 slash line.
Neither Hays nor Andujar is flashy, but both are efficient. And that’s the Mets’ current lane: smart, situational signings that build depth, improve matchups, and keep the books clean. Pairing one of them with a true center field option-and potentially another bat at first base-could help round out a roster that’s quietly becoming more functional and flexible.
This isn’t about winning the offseason on paper. It’s about building a team that can win games in the margins. And if the Mets continue down this path, they might just find themselves with a more complete and competitive roster than anyone expected.