Yankees: Austin Hays is Plan B for Cody Bellinger

In an unprecedented display of cheapness, the New York Yankees have been in complete hibernation since the start of winter. And it looks like this will continue in the coming weeks.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Bombers are in talks with former Cincinnati Reds' Austin Hays, in case they can't bring Cody Bellinger back to their ranks, which is looking increasingly likely.

https://twitter.com/JonHeyman/status/2003826465897595364?s=20

We agree that the two players aren't in the same league, despite the fact that Hays participated in the All-Star Game in 2023 and has experience in all three outfield positions. This is a far cry from the .272 batting average Bellinger posted in 2025, in addition to his 29 long balls and 98 points produced in the Bronx.

Last November, Cincinnati turned down a one-year mutual option worth twelve million dollars on Hays. Instead, the 30-year-old received a $1 million buyout and became free as a bird.

Hays was limited to 103 games due to three stints on the injured list with three different injuries. He also missed a few games in the final week of the season due to back spasms.

Should the Yankees get their hands on him, he would join an outfield that includes Aaron Judge, Trent Grisham, and Jasson Dominguez, with prospect Spencer Jones also in the running for a regular spot.

The Bombardiers have also been linked with former Chicago Cubs Kyle Tucker, who is the best player available on the free agent market. However, the star outfielder is expected to land a contract in the $400 million range, and the Yankees won't even come close to granting his demands.

Signing Bellinger would cost around $200 million, while Hays would cost a fraction of that. It's a safe bet that the New York outfit will opt for the latter.

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