The Kansas City Royals were previously rumored to be interested in outfielder Harrison Bader. On Monday, however, the outfielder reportedly agreed to a two-year contract with the San Francisco Giants in free agency. With Kansas City in need of outfield help, the ball club should consider pivoting to free agent Austin Hays. 

Hays, 30, was once a highly-regarded prospect. He has endured ups and downs in the big leagues since making his MLB debut back in 2017, but he was an All-Star in 2023 with the Baltimore Orioles.

Hays most recently played with the Cincinnati Reds, hitting .266/.315/.453 across 103 contests in 2025. He added 15 home runs, 16 doubles, 64 RBI and seven stolen bases.

The veteran offers a respectable amount of power from the right side of the plate. He can realistically play either corner outfield position as well. Hays may not be a superstar, but he is a reliable starting caliber big league outfielder.

Kansas City's infield is its strength with Bobby Witt Jr. leading the way. The outfield is a different story, though.

Jac Caglianone provides potential but lacks experience. Isaac Collins can make an impact offensively, but it remains to be seen how high his ceiling is. Kyle Isbel is a fine player but there are better options.

Lane Thomas was a quality addition, but he is not a player who will make or break a team's chances of seriously competing. Of course, one could say the same about Hays. However, Hays' 20-plus home run potential and respectable all-around offensive game would give Kansas City's outfield a necessary boost.

The Royals' rumored interest in Bader suggests they are open to adding an outfielder. Kansas City has also been connected to Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox and Brendan Donovan of the St. Louis Cardinals in trade rumors, although deals for those players seem unlikely right now.

With the Royals seemingly looking for another outfielder and Hays still available in free agency, one has to wonder if Kansas City will attempt to sign the 30-year-old.

It should be noted that the Royals and Hays have not been consistently linked in free agency rumors. Still, a deal remains a possibility. Kansas City fans should monitor Hays' free agency as spring training draws near.

The Royals would take a big step toward competing once again by signing Austin Hays this offseason.