What's Happening?
The New York Yankees are exploring the possibility of signing former Orioles outfielder Austin Hays as negotiations with their primary target, Cody Bellinger, remain unresolved. According to MLB insider
Jon Heyman, the Yankees have reached out to Hays, who has shown consistent performance over his eight MLB seasons. Meanwhile, the New York Mets are actively engaged in trade discussions, particularly focusing on acquiring Ketel Marte from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Mets have already traded Jeff McNeil, creating a need at second base, and are considering young pitchers Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat as potential trade assets.
Why It's Important?
The Yankees' interest in Austin Hays highlights their need to strengthen their outfield options, especially if they fail to secure Cody Bellinger. Hays' ability to perform well against left-handed pitchers makes him a valuable asset for the Yankees. For the Mets, acquiring Ketel Marte could significantly bolster their infield, especially after trading away Jeff McNeil. The potential trades involving young pitchers like Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat indicate the Mets' strategy to balance immediate needs with long-term player development.
What's Next?
The Yankees will continue to monitor the situation with Cody Bellinger while keeping Austin Hays as a viable alternative. The Mets are expected to intensify their trade negotiations with the Diamondbacks, focusing on finalizing a deal for Ketel Marte. Both teams are likely to make strategic decisions based on the outcomes of these negotiations, which could impact their roster configurations for the upcoming season.
