The battle for Cody Bellinger is heating up in New York - and it’s not just one team chasing him. Both the Yankees and Mets are deep in the hunt for the last marquee position player left on the free-agent board.
And while only one team will ultimately land him, both clubs are already working on a Plan B. Enter Austin Hays.
According to multiple reports, including Jon Heyman, the Yankees and Mets have kept in touch with Hays throughout the offseason. They’re not alone - the Cardinals are also in the mix - but it’s clear that New York’s two franchises are circling Hays as a viable fallback if the Bellinger sweepstakes don't break their way.
Let’s start with Bellinger. He’s the prize here, no question.
A Gold Glove-caliber outfielder with a left-handed bat and the ability to hit for both power and average, he checks a lot of boxes for both teams. The Yankees could use his defensive versatility and lefty pop in a righty-heavy lineup.
The Mets, meanwhile, are looking to reset after a disappointing 2025 season, and adding a player of Bellinger’s caliber would go a long way toward reestablishing credibility and balance in their outfield.
But while Bellinger waits for the right deal - and the right fit - teams like the Yankees, Mets, and Cardinals are doing their homework on Hays.
Hays isn’t a headline grabber like Bellinger, but he’s quietly put together a solid MLB résumé. Over seven seasons with the Orioles, he posted a .747 OPS and accumulated 10.1 bWAR - a reflection of his value on both sides of the ball.
He was moved at the 2024 trade deadline to the Phillies, then signed with the Reds, where he turned in a productive 2025 campaign: 15 home runs, 64 RBIs, and a .768 OPS. That’s the kind of steady production that makes him a smart addition for a team looking to round out its outfield without breaking the bank.
He may not bring the same star power as Bellinger, but Hays is a gamer - a consistent bat, a reliable glove, and a guy who’s proven he can contribute across multiple roles. For the Yankees or Mets, he’s the kind of player who can quietly become a key piece over the course of a long season.
As for the Cardinals, their interest in Hays makes sense given their offseason approach. After shedding salary, they’re in the market for short-term, cost-effective talent to stabilize the roster.
Hays fits that mold. But he’s also smart to wait out the Bellinger decision.
There’s a clear pecking order here, and once Bellinger signs, the dominoes will start to fall quickly. Hays is in a good position to capitalize.
The Yankees and Mets, meanwhile, are locked in a familiar standoff. Both want Bellinger.
Only one will get him. And when the dust settles, the team that misses out will need to pivot fast.
That’s where Hays comes in - not as a consolation prize, but as a legitimate contributor who can help win games.
In the end, fans may groan if their team doesn’t land Bellinger. But Hays isn’t a bad fallback. In fact, he might just be one of the most underrated options left on the board.