Top Landing Spots for Free Agent Austin Hays

The Guardians have always worked within the thin margins that they have set for themselves financially, so, in a free agent class littered with veteran outfielders who would not break the bank, they should be able to find ample options.

As the Guardians look to ease in the often-injured young outfielders in Chase DeLauter and George Valera, Hays would provide them with some much-needed veteran leadership and a consistent option who would only positively benefit the lineup lacking production around José Ramirez.

There are also rumors swirling around the potential trade of Steven Kwan. If the Guardians were to move on from Kwan, Hays would slide right into left field for them going forward.

Kansas City Royals

Dating back to the 2025 trade deadline, Hays was a name mentioned as a good fit for the Royals to add to their lineup as they pushed for a postseason spot. With the Reds in contention for a spot of their own, the Royals pivoted to Mike Yastrzemski.

Now, with “Yaz” alongside Hays in free agency, the Royals should look to revisit those rumors and bring in the right-handed bat that would be a welcome addition to that outfield. An outfield currently set of John Rave, Kyle Isbel, and Jac Caglianone is not what a team looking to contend should be sending out on a regular basis.

The Royals’ bench is also in need of an upgrade. Given how left-handed-heavy the current projected lineup looks, adding Hays to the starting outfield and moving one of the current projected lefties onto the bench would help build the necessary depth needed to make a run.

New York Mets

The Mets recently made a trade that would seemingly open up a starting outfield spot for them on Opening Day. Even before the trade, this was an outfield that truly needed upgrades if they wanted to look past their 2025 failures and return to the postseason.

Their deadline acquisition of Cedric Mullins ended up flopping. This lineup as a whole could use another dependable hitter in their lineup and Hays would provide them with a cheaper option that would allow for them to tackle the other needs across their roster.

Being able to play center field for this team is where Hays’ would bring the most value. While Tyrone Taylor has proven to be a solid option, the offense would benefit from being able to use him and his 70 wRC+ periodically, rather than on an every day basis.

The Mets have also been rumored to be shopping Jeff McNeil after the recent Marcus Semien acquisition. Moving him would also open up the starting left field spot for Hays to slide in.

San Francisco Giants

Buster Posey has shown the true willingness to fully dive right in when it comes to improving the big league roster. After kicking off the Giants’ new era with the Rafael Devers blockbuster trade last season, it is easy to convince ourselves that they’re going to continue to invest.

While they have been linked to a few bigger-name outfielders, Hays is not a bad “Plan B” to have. If the Giants continue to fall victim to missing out on the bigger free agents, the outfield will still need help, especially considering the lack of experience.

Heliot Ramos’s value comes at the plate, and he is currently slated to start for the Giants in left field. Jung Hoo Lee is the only solidified option in the outfield, occupying center field, and that leaves Luis Matos as the primary option in right.

Bryce Eldridge made his MLB debut this past year and will likely go between the DH spot and 1B with Devers when he needs a day off from the field. Should Eldridge not be ready to start the year in San Francisco, this would allow for Ramos to start as the DH and Hays to be the starting left fielder come Opening Day. If Eldridge is up to start the year, Hays over Matos should be an easy choice for new manager Tony Vitello to make.