Wed Dec 24 14:10:00 UTC 2025: Mets Eye Austin Hays as Outfield Options Dwindle

NEW YORK, NY – December 23, 2025 – The New York Mets are reportedly showing interest in free agent outfielder Austin Hays, according to The New York Post’s Jon Heyman. This comes as the Mets look to fill significant holes in their outfield following a mass exodus of players this offseason.

Seven of the nine players who made multiple outfield appearances for the Mets in 2025 are now gone. Cedric Mullins, Starling Marte, Jesse Winker, Jose Siri, and José Azócar all became free agents, while Brandon Nimmo was traded to the Rangers and Jeff McNeil was sent to the Athletics.

Currently, Juan Soto and Tyrone Taylor are the only holdovers. While Soto is a cornerstone player, Taylor’s offensive struggles – a .223/.279/.319 slash line in 2025 – make him vulnerable, despite recently agreeing to a $3.8 million deal for 2026. The Mets hope prospect Carson Benge can challenge Taylor for the center field role, though the team has also been connected to Luis Robert Jr. in trade rumors.

Hays, while not considered a top-tier option like Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger, offers a track record of slightly above-average offense, boasting a career .262/.313/.435 batting line. However, his defensive metrics have declined in recent years, and he has struggled with injuries. Despite these concerns, his ability to excel against left-handed pitching makes him a valuable platoon option. In 2025, he hit .319/.400/.549 against southpaws, making him a potentially strong partner with the left-handed hitting Benge. While the Mets have been connected to bigger names, Hays offers a more affordable and specialized skill set as they look to revamp their outfield.

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