Yankees interested in former Phillies, Orioles All-Star outfielder to replace Cody Bellinger originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Yankees are looking to improve their outfield this offseason, and Cody Bellinger, their top remaining free agent, is their best option.

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But if the market becomes too much for the Yankees, who plan to be conservative with their payroll, the Yankees will need to target a different option.

Jon Heyman of The New York Post shared one potential option, a former Philadelphia Phillies and Baltimore Orioles All-Star outfielder. While it wouldn’t be ideal for the Yankees fanbase, this player wouldn’t be the worst alternative.

Yankees showing interest in former Phillies, Reds, Orioles All-Star outfielder

“The Yankees also have checked in on Austin Hays,” Heyman reports. “Hays becomes more realistic for them if they are unable to retain their No. 1 target Cody Bellinger.”

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While the final note in this report, that the Yankees still view Bellinger as their top target, is a good sign, their interest in an alternative is slightly concerning.

With Austin Hays emerging as an alternative for the Yankees, the former Phillies, Orioles, and Cincinnati Reds All-Star outfielder might be coming to New York this winter.

Hays is 30 years old and coming off a decent season for the Reds in 2025. In 103 games, Hays hit .266 with a .768 OPS with 15 home runs and 16 doubles.

More: Yankees ‘Plan B’ if Kyle Tucker, Cody Bellinger sign elsewhere revealed

Back in 2023, the Orioles got a quality performance from Hays in his lone All-Star season. He hit .275 with a .769 OPS. Hays isn’t the best power hitter, nor is he the best fielder.

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But, overall, he would be a quality depth addition to the outfield in New York to give Aaron Boone some options other than Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones.

Bellinger’s market won’t be cheap, and if the Yankees continue to be conservative with their spending, frustrating fans, then Hays will be a decent replacement option.

With the New York Mets also pursuing Hays, the two New York teams could get into a small bidding war for one of the better depth outfielders left on the market.

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