Report from MLB insider Jon Heyman has Yankees, Mets among interested teams in Reds outfielder. But would the Dodgers consider giving him a look?
It's no secret that the Los Angeles Dodgers could use some outfield help. They sure could look for some defensive help as they've had a shortage of solid outfield play at times.
The Dodgers, going for the Three-Peat as World Series champions in 2026, are not directly mentioned in a new report about Cincinnati Reds outfielder Austin Hays. But, when the New York Yankees and New York Mets get mentioned among teams potentially looking to get him, then why not include the Dodgers, too?
Los Angeles has a wealth of money that could be used if they wanted to sign Hays to a deal.
Longtime MLB insider Jon Heyman had some insights on Hays and his possible next landing spot that were shared in an article for MLB.com. Heyman also pointed toward the Kansas City Royals as another team that might be interested in Hays, too.
"The 29-year-old Hays, who was an All-Star for the Orioles in 2023, hit 15 homers and logged a .768 OPS in just 103 games for the Reds this past season after signing a one-year, $5 million contract with them last January," according to the MLB.com article.
"Per Heyman, he could become a 'more realistic' target for the Yanks if they can't re-sign (Cody) Bellinger, who remains their top priority in free agency," the article states. "Hays would also seem to fit the Mets' desire for an outfielder who bats from the right side and can be had on a short-term deal."
The MLB.com also highlighted that the Royals did some work on their outfield situation by signing free agent Lane Thomas and pulling off a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers for Isaac Collins. Yet the Royals are also, according to an article from The Athletic, interested in potentially pulling off a trade for Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox.
What type of role would Hays have with the Dodgers? Because he's not that far removed from his All-Star season, it's possible that Los Angeles looks at that and his production last season for signs.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and general manager Brandon Gomes are going to check their roster very carefully. If Hays could be pried away from interest by those other teams, then it would be a sweet steal for the Dodgers.
One would have to think that if Hays found out that Los Angeles had some type of interest in him that he'd jump at the chance to join a World Series-winning franchise.
The Dodgers were not mentioned among those teams. Don't rule them out, though.