Updated MLB Rumors on Yankees, Mets, Royals' Pursuit of Reds Free-Agent Austin Hays

Veteran outfielder Austin Hays remains unsigned, but it isn't due to a lack of interest.

The New York Post's Jon Heyman reported the New York Mets and Kansas City Royals have the 30-year-old on their radar. Heyman included the New York Yankees in the group as well and said their pursuit could intensify if they fail to retain Cody Bellinger.

Hays had a solid 2025 season with the Cincinnati Reds. He batted .266 and slugged .453 with 15 home runs and 64 RBI.

His performance was actually marginally better outside of Great American Ball Park, which has historically favored hitters. He had a .270/.306/.438 slash line at home and a .262/.323/.465 mark on the road.

The interest in Hays reflects the fact he has been a pretty consistent producer at the plate and won't command a big contract. Across eight seasons, the 2023 All-Star has a .748 OPS and a 107 OPS+, while Spotrac projects his market value to be $5.1 million.

The fact the Royals are tracking Hays is a little surprising because they already signed Lane Thomas to effectively occupy the same role. In the case of the Yankees and Mets, he'd provide some outfield depth at a reasonable cost. The Mets in particular have a void in that area of the diamond after trading Jeff McNeil to the Athletics.