The New York Yankees could look to replace Cody Bellinger with a surprising free-agent outfielder.
New York acquired Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs last offseason, and he had plenty of success. Due to the success, Bellinger is in line for a solid payday, and he could leave the Yankees to sign elsewhere.
If Belliger does leave New York, MLB insider Jon Heyman expects the Yankees to pursue Austin Hays, who the team has shown interest in.
“The Yankees also have checked in on Austin Hays. Hays becomes more realistic for them if they are unable to retain their No. 1 target Cody Bellinger,” Heyman wrote on X.
Hays would be a cheaper option for the Yankees, and his bat would fit nicely in Yankee Stadium. However, New York fans likely would be disappointed if the team opted to replace Bellinger with Hays, especially with other teams in the AL East getting better.
Hays spent last season with the Cincinnati Reds, and he hit .266 wth 15 home runs and 64 RBIs. The 30-year-old can play left field for the Yankees, and he’s a one-time All-Star who could compete with Jasson Dominguez for a starting job.
Yankees Interested in Retaining Bellinger
Although the Yankees are showing interest in Hays, the team isn’t ruling out signing Bellinger.
Bellinger is one of the top free-agent bats available and many expect him to return to New York. However, no deal has been made with the Yankees yet. But, general manager Brian Cashman has made it clear the team wants to re-sign Bellinger.
“Cody Bellinger would be a great fit for us,” Cashman said at the Winter Meetings. “I think he’d be a great fit for anybody. I think he’s a very talented player that can play multiple positions at a high level, and hits lefties, hits righties. He’s a contact guy, and I think our environment was a great one for him.”
Bellinger hit .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs in his first and potentially only season with the Yankees.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone also knows how important Bellinger is to the lineup and hopes he does return.
“What Cody brought to us last year, in so many ways … who he was in the room, his performance in between the lines on both sides of the ball, his athleticism, his versatility, who wouldn’t want a player like that?” Boone said.
Bellinger won the NL MVP in 2019.
Multiple Teams Interested in Hays
Hays isn’t one of the top free agents available, but several teams are interested in him.
The Yankees have checked in on Hays, but they aren’t the only team. Earlier this month, Heyman reported the Kansas City Royals are interested in Hays.
“Austin Hays and Mike Yastrzemski drawing interest from Royals, who are closely surveying the OF market,” Heyman wrote.
Meanwhile, Heyman also added on Dec. 23 that the New York Mets also remain interested in Hays.
“Mets have discussed Austin Hays internally and have some interest. Had very nice year in Cincy (.768 OPS). The righty hitting OF is among potential fits,” Heyman added.
Hays does have experience playing in the AL East as he spent parts of seven seasons with the Baltimore Orioles.
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