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Yankees Keep Bellinger as Priority, Check In on Austin Hays as Plan B

A slow-moving market under Scott Boras has New York weighing lower-cost outfield contingencies.

Overview

  • New York continues to prioritize re-signing Cody Bellinger, with GM Brian Cashman publicly endorsing his fit after a strong 2025 in the Bronx.
  • Jon Heyman reports the Yankees have checked in on free agent Austin Hays as a fallback option who could platoon in left field with Jasson Domínguez.
  • Bellinger’s free agency is progressing slowly as a Scott Boras negotiation, a pattern that has previously led to late-winter signings.
  • Roster needs extend beyond the outfield, with questions about early-season rotation depth and a bullpen that ranked 23rd in ERA still in need of reinforcements.
  • Forecasts cited in recent coverage project a Bellinger contract near $168 million, a valuation influencing the club’s cautious offseason posture.