Tempting Reds reunion comes down to division rival after Yankees-Cody Bellinger news

The New York Yankees and outfielder Cody Bellinger finally came to an agreement. According to multiple reports, Bellinger agreed to a five-year deal worth $162.5 million to remain in Bronx with opt outs after 2027 and 2028. This unnecessarily long contract negotiation between the Yanks and Bellinger has mercifully come to a close.

But the Yankees just did the Cincinnati Reds a mighty favor. Austin Hays — who was recently linked to both the Yankees and New York Mets — remains unsigned. Cincinnati desperately needs to add another bat to their lineup before heading to spring training in Goodyear, and Hays is arguably the best option left on the board.

Hays signed a one-year deal with the Reds last winter and played up to expectations when he was on the field. While injuries limited Hays to just 103 games in 2025, he hit .266/.315/.453 with 15 home runs and 64 RBI. Cincinnati recently freed up a roster spot after trading Gavin Lux to the Tampa Bay Rays, and few players left on the open market would be a better fit than Hays.

Reds' chances to sign Austin Hays after Yankees deal with Cody Bellinger, but the Cardinals are lurking

Bellinger's deal with the Yankees and the Mets' acquisition of Luis Robert Jr. has certainly caused Hays' market to shrink. But the outfielder is not bereft of other suitors. In fact, the St. Louis Cardinals have also been connected to Hays this offseason. Despite being in the middle of a rebuild, the Reds' chief rival is reportedly interested in signing the former All-Star.

If the season started today, the Reds would likely run out an outfield of Noelvi Marte (right), TJ Friedl (center), and either JJ Bleday or Will Benson (left) with Dane Meyers spelling one of the lefty swingers against opposing left-handed pitching. Reuniting with Hays would help bring balance (and power) to the lineup.

At this point, Reds fans are somewhat confused by the front office's lack of action. Cincinnati has been linked to several free agents (Miguel Andujar) and various trade targets (Ketel Marte), but it seems as if they continue to come up short. The Cincinnati faithful are desperate to see their favorite team make some semblance of an impact signing this offseason, and a reunion with Hays might actually qualify.