After a disappointing 85-game campaign with the Orioles and Phillies in 2024 (97 wRC+; 0.2 fWAR), Hays found his groove in Cincinnati last year. In 416 plate appearances, he hit .266 with 15 home runs, a 105 wRC+, and 1.2 fWAR.
The 30-year-old didn’t provide much defensively a year ago, as illustrated by his +1 OAA and 0 FRV. However, he can play both corner outfield positions, and he was a masher against left-handed pitchers.
He hit .319 with a 155 wRC+ against lefties a season ago. That was much better than his .249 average and 88 wRC+ against righties.
With Collins likely in left field and Jac Caglianone in right field, the Royals do not need an “everyday” outfielder right now. They need someone who can rotate between both corners to give Caglianone or Collins a spell.
Hays would fit that role perfectly, especially considering his lefty-mashing tendencies. Furthermore, he would not cost the Royals much either, whether in terms of AAV (his current market value is around $5.13 million, according to Spotrac) or years (he is likely to get only a one-year deal).
If the Royals can’t make that big trade for Boston’s Jarren Duran or St. Louis’ Brendan Donovan, Hays may be the cheaper consolation prize who can hold things down in the Kansas City outfield as a semi-regular until the Trade Deadline, at the very least.