The New York Mets are reportedly showing interest in free agent left fielder Austin Hays as they look to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season, according to Jon Heyman. Following the trade of Jeff McNeil to the Athletics, the Mets are actively exploring options to enhance their outfield depth.
Hays, a seasoned veteran with eight years in the major leagues, has played for the Orioles, Phillies, and most recently, the Reds. His performance in the 2025 season included a solid batting line of .266/.315/.453, totaling 15 home runs, 60 runs scored, and 64 RBIs across 102 games. After a lackluster 2024, where he recorded a 97 wRC+ and a mere 0.2 fWAR in 85 games, Hays bounced back with a 1.2 fWAR in 2025, showcasing his ability to rebound.
One of the drawing points for the Mets is Hays’ effectiveness against left-handed pitching. He posted an impressive .319 batting average, .400 on-base percentage, and .519 slugging against lefties, amounting to a 155 wRC+ over 105 plate appearances. In contrast, his numbers against righties were less striking, reflecting a .249 average and 88 wRC+ in 311 plate appearances. This contrast aligns with the Mets’ current lineup, which is heavily left-handed, leading the team to explore right-handed hitting alternatives to diversify their offensive strategy.
While Hays is viewed as a competent but average hitter, ranked in the 43rd percentile for batting run value and the 55th percentile for fielding run value, he still has the potential to make a meaningful impact on the team’s lineup.
The Mets currently have limited outfield options on their 40-man roster, with only Juan Soto, Tyrone Taylor, Jared Young, Ji Hwan Bae, and Nick Morabito available, aside from Carson Benge, who is set to compete for a roster spot in spring training. The Mets’ aggressive approach in pursuing Hays illustrates their commitment to building a competitive team as they navigate the offseason.