Reds reunion fading fast as Yankees and Mets eye former outfielder

The Cincinnati Reds still need to add some pop to the middle of their lineup, and a reunion with Austin Hays always made sense. The Reds added left-handed hitting outfielder JJ Bleday earlier this offseason after e was DFA'd buy the Athletics, and pairing him with the right-handed hitting Hays seemed like a good platoon pairing.

But the likelihood of Hays returning to Cincinnati took a massive hit on Tuesday afternoon after New York Post columnist Jon Heyman reported that the former Reds outfielder is being courted by both the New York Yankees and New York Mets. Heyman also mentioned the St. Louis Cardinals as a potential suitor.

The Yankees and Mets are currently in a bidding war for Cody Bellinger. The free agent outfielder is drawing interest from both New York-based ball clubs and the Toronto Blue Jays. Whichever team misses out on Bellinger may quickly turn to Hays as Plan B.

Cody Bellinger remains unsigned & former Reds outfielder Austin Hays is drawing interest from the Yankees and Mets

If both the Yankess and Mets are after Hays, the Reds haven't a chance to re-sign him. Cincinnati agreed to a one-year, $5 million deal with Hays last winter, but declined to pick up his $12 million option. And while Cincinnati's front office surely doesn't regret saying no to Hays for that price, re-signing him to a more reasonable contract should be intriguing.

Hays struggled to stay off the injured list in 2025. The former Baltimore Orioles outfielder spent three separate stints on the IL, but when Hays was healthy, he was a difference-maker in the Reds lineup. In 103 games, he hit .266/.315/.453 with 15 home runs and 64 RBI.

The Reds traded Gavin Lux last week which made signing Hays all the more attractive. But it would seem that he'll likely be playing in the Big Apple during the upcoming season once Bellinger decides on a new home.

The Reds are running out of free-agent options, and their best chance to add to the lineup might have to come through a trade. Cincinnati needs at least one more bat heading into spring training, but to date, have come up empty-handed.