Yankees Consider Austin Hays as Cody Bellinger Backup Plan, Report Suggests
The New York Yankees are still in talks with free agent Cody Bellinger and his agent Scott Boras as the offseason heats up, but the team is also exploring alternative options to back up Bellinger if he signs with another club. According to an MLB insider, the Yankees are monitoring outfielder Austin Hays, who was recently pursued by Kyle Tucker's new team, the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Hays had a strong 2025 season with the Cincinnati Reds, slashing .266/.315/.453 in 380 at-bats and producing a 105 OPS+. The 30-year-old outfielder is likely to be more affordable for the Yankees than Bellinger, with market value pegged at $5 million. While Hays' skills wouldn't match those of Bellinger, his deal could provide a solid backup plan.
The Yankees are looking to address their outfield situation, which has been weakened by the departure of several key players in recent years. With Cody Bellinger potentially joining another team, the focus is shifting to signing Hays or other free agents who can fill the void. However, if the Yankees fail to secure Bellinger, they will need to reassess their options and consider alternative targets.
As the Yankees continue to navigate the complex landscape of MLB free agency, Austin Hays' name has emerged as a potential backup plan for outfielders with Cody Bellinger's level of talent on the market.
The New York Yankees are still in talks with free agent Cody Bellinger and his agent Scott Boras as the offseason heats up, but the team is also exploring alternative options to back up Bellinger if he signs with another club. According to an MLB insider, the Yankees are monitoring outfielder Austin Hays, who was recently pursued by Kyle Tucker's new team, the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Hays had a strong 2025 season with the Cincinnati Reds, slashing .266/.315/.453 in 380 at-bats and producing a 105 OPS+. The 30-year-old outfielder is likely to be more affordable for the Yankees than Bellinger, with market value pegged at $5 million. While Hays' skills wouldn't match those of Bellinger, his deal could provide a solid backup plan.
The Yankees are looking to address their outfield situation, which has been weakened by the departure of several key players in recent years. With Cody Bellinger potentially joining another team, the focus is shifting to signing Hays or other free agents who can fill the void. However, if the Yankees fail to secure Bellinger, they will need to reassess their options and consider alternative targets.
As the Yankees continue to navigate the complex landscape of MLB free agency, Austin Hays' name has emerged as a potential backup plan for outfielders with Cody Bellinger's level of talent on the market.
. I mean, Hays is a solid player and all, but he's not exactly the same level of talent as Bellinger 
. And with the money they're saving on him compared to Bellinger ($5 million vs $20+ million), it's just hard to see how this would be a good long-term move 
. Plus, Hays is still only 30, so he's got some prime years left in him 
. I think the Yankees should focus on signing someone who can match Bellinger's level of production and leadership 
. But hey, you never know, maybe they've done their research and Hays is exactly what they need 
I've been saying it for months, Yankees need to get creative in their search for an outfielder, and Austin Hays is looking like a solid solution at half the price of Cody Bellinger lol what if they can get him on a deal that's just $2.5 million? that'd be insane 
i mean, yes, he won't match Bellinger's skill level but with so many injuries to their outfielders, you gotta take calculated risks 
The Yankees are looking at Austin Hays as an alternative to Cody Bellinger, but is he really ready to be the backup plan? 
... I mean, who else are they gonna get that's even close to Bellinger's level of talent? The guy's already proven himself in 380 at-bats last season and he's only 30! That's gotta count for something right?
... Maybe they should just try to get Bellinger instead of settling for Hays?
️.
) when it comes to free agency. You never know what's gonna happen with Bellinger's situation, and having Hays as an option could be a win-win for the team 
. Plus, he's not like, a total unknown at this point... I mean, we've seen him play before 
! He's gotta be more affordable than Bellinger, though - $5 million is still a bit steep for my taste 
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- $5 million is a bargain compared to what Bellinger's making 
️! If the Yanks can secure him, that's a win-win in my book 
the yanks need someone who can step up and not hold them back, not just some cheap backup plan 
and what about the risks of getting hurt? bellinger's talent is hard to replace, so why settle for hays when they could go after someone like bryce harper or something 
. They're gonna have to think outside the box (or in this case, outside their budget 
He had a sick season last year too, like .266/.315/.453 in 380 at-bats... that's some crazy numbers bro. And $5 million is still super cheap for what he brings to the table. 
. I mean, $5 million for Austin Hays? That's like stealing, right? But hey, if it means they get to keep their team from being a total joke in the outfield, then I guess it's worth it 
. On a serious note, though, Cody Bellinger is kinda a big deal, so I wouldn't be too sure about just picking up some random backup plan 
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the yanks are seriously considering hays as bellingers backup lol its like theyre saying ok we dont wanna spend 20 mil on cody so lets just get aubie instead 
. Austin Hays might not be as flashy as Bellinger, but he's got some serious skills and at $5 mil, it's a pretty solid price tag 
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