As the Yankees continue their offseason push to solidify the outfield, all eyes remain on Cody Bellinger. He’s the marquee name on their radar - and for good reason.
But while talks with Scott Boras, Bellinger’s agent, remain ongoing, the Yankees haven’t put all their eggs in one basket. According to recent reports, they’ve kept communication lines open with another potential fit: Austin Hays.
Hays, a right-handed bat with a track record of punishing left-handed pitching, quietly put together a solid season. Splitting time between left field and designated hitter, he posted a 105 OPS+ and hit .266 over the course of 103 games. That kind of production doesn’t scream superstar, but it does check a lot of boxes for teams looking to shore up their outfield depth - especially those in need of a righty bat to balance their lineup.
What really makes Hays intriguing is his consistent success against southpaws. For his career, he’s slashed .282 with an .819 OPS against lefties.
Last season? He took it up a notch, hitting .319 with a .949 OPS in those matchups.
That’s the kind of situational hitting that gets front offices talking - and it’s exactly why teams like the Yankees, Mets, and Cardinals are keeping tabs.
From the Yankees’ perspective, Hays offers a potential platoon solution alongside Jasson Dominguez. The switch-hitting Dominguez has shown more comfort from the left side of the plate, meaning his production dips when facing left-handed pitchers. Slotting in Hays against lefties could create a more complete offensive unit without overextending either player.
Still, make no mistake: Bellinger remains the Yankees’ priority. He’s coming off a season where he launched 29 home runs and posted a 125 OPS+, while also flashing elite defense in the outfield - a particularly valuable asset in the spacious left field of Yankee Stadium. That combination of power, production, and glove work is hard to replicate.
If Bellinger signs elsewhere - and the Mets are reportedly in the mix - the Yankees will need to pivot. Hays isn’t a one-for-one replacement, especially defensively, but he could help soften the blow on the offensive side. He’s not the headliner, but he’s a capable contributor who fits a specific need.
Ultimately, how the Bellinger sweepstakes play out will dictate the Yankees’ level of urgency with Hays. If they land their top target, Hays might remain a fallback or depth option. If not, expect the Yankees to move quickly - and decisively - to lock in a right-handed bat who can help them navigate the lefty-heavy pitching they’ll see throughout the season.