The Yankees’ offseason priorities are coming into focus, and one thing’s clear: they’re still hunting for help in the outfield. Cody Bellinger remains their top target, but with his market heating up and New York reportedly keeping an eye on payroll, the front office is also exploring backup plans. And one of those plans might include a name that’s flown a bit under the radar - Austin Hays.
According to recent reports, the Yankees have checked in on Hays as a potential fallback if Bellinger signs elsewhere. It’s not the splash move fans might be hoping for, but it’s a sign the Yankees are preparing for multiple outcomes - and trying to avoid being left empty-handed in a competitive market.
Let’s break this down.
Bellinger Still the Priority - But at What Cost?
There’s no question Bellinger is the preferred fit. He brings left-handed power, Gold Glove-caliber defense, and positional flexibility - all things the Yankees could use in an outfield that’s still taking shape. But with Bellinger expected to command a significant deal, and the Yankees reportedly intent on staying disciplined with their payroll, there’s no guarantee he ends up in pinstripes.
That’s where Hays enters the conversation.
What Austin Hays Brings to the Table
Hays, 30, is coming off a solid 2025 campaign with the Reds, where he hit .266 with a .768 OPS, 15 home runs, and 16 doubles across 103 games. While he’s not a middle-of-the-order bat or a defensive game-changer, he’s a steady, experienced outfielder who’s shown he can contribute when healthy.
His best season came in 2023 with the Orioles, when he earned an All-Star nod by hitting .275 with a .769 OPS. Hays doesn’t carry the same upside as Bellinger, but he’s a reliable right-handed bat who could slot into a corner outfield spot or serve as a rotational piece - especially important given the Yankees’ current outfield mix.
Why This Matters for the Yankees
The Yankees' outfield situation is still fluid. Aaron Judge is locked in, but beyond that, there are more questions than answers.
Jasson Dominguez is coming off Tommy John surgery and still developing. Spencer Jones is a tantalizing prospect, but he’s unproven at the big-league level.
That leaves manager Aaron Boone with limited veteran options - something the Yankees would clearly like to address.
Hays wouldn’t block any of the Yankees’ high-upside young players, but he would give Boone a dependable option - someone who can handle both corner spots and won’t be overwhelmed by the New York stage.
Could There Be a Crosstown Battle?
Adding a little intrigue to the situation: the Mets are also reportedly in on Hays. That sets up the possibility of a low-key bidding war between the Bronx and Queens for one of the better depth outfielders still on the board. It’s not quite a Judge-level sweepstakes, but it’s a reminder that even the second-tier free agent market can get competitive when supply starts to dwindle.
Bottom Line
The Yankees’ offseason plan still revolves around Bellinger - and for good reason. But if the price tag climbs too high, they’ll need a Plan B. Austin Hays may not be a headline-grabber, but he’s a respectable fallback option who could quietly fill an important need.
It’s not the boldest move, but it’s the kind of depth signing that can help stabilize a roster over a 162-game grind. And if the Yankees want to make a serious run in 2026, they’ll need more than just stars - they’ll need reliable contributors like Hays who can step in and do the job when called upon.