Yankees, Mets, Royals 'Check In' on Free-Agent LF Austin Hays

Free-agent left fielder Austin Hays is drawing interest from multiple teams, with the Yankees, Mets, and Royals reportedly 'checking in.' Hays is considered a potential backup option for the Yankees if they miss out on Cody Bellinger. In 2025, he played 103 games for the Reds, slashing .266/.315/.453 with 15 HR and 64 RBI. After the Reds declined his $12M mutual option, he received a $1M buyout. In 2024, he split time between the Orioles and Phillies, limited to 22 games with the Phillies due to a kidney infection before being non-tendered. He was an All-Star in 2023.