New York Mets fans are frustrated with how the team’s offseason has gone so far, and a new rumor about their latest target won’t do anything to change those opinions.
Earlier this month delivered a nightmare scenario for NY Mets lovers. Going into the offseason, supporters of the club knew there was a possibility that All-Stars Edwin Diaz and Pete Alonso could walk in free agency. Yet, with having the richest owner in the sport, most assumed the front office would do what was necessary to hold on to a pair of core members of the roster.
Well, that didn’t happen, and Diaz took a record deal from the Los Angeles Dodgers, while Alonso took his talents down I-95 to the Baltimore Orioles for $155 million. The departures enraged fans who are now demanding that the organization make some big moves to fill the void left by the exits.
While they signed impact veteran Jorge Polanco and Luke Weaver in free agency, those are not the game-changing acquisitions fans want after losing two core members of their roster. Star free agent outfielders Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger are additions fans want.
NY Mets Interested in Austin Hays
A new rumor on Tuesday revealed the club has had internal conversations about an outfield target. However, it’s not Tucker or Bellinger. And while this player is a one-time All-Star, the new and possible signing is sure to get an eye roll from Amazin’ fans.
“Mets have discussed Austin Hays internally and have some interest,” New York Post MLB insider Jon Heyman reports. “Had a very nice year in Cincy (.768 OPS). The righty-hitting OF is among potential fits.”
Hays is an Orioles veteran who earned All-Star honors in 2023. He has played for three different teams since, including the Cincinnati Reds this year, where he posted a slashline of.266/.315/.453/.768 16 homers, 64 RBIs, and 60 runs. He made $5 million last season, so he will likely get double that for 2026.
He is far more affordable than Tucker or Bellinger, and has hit 15 or more homers four times during his career. He is a good, solid player, but his potential signing will not pacify fans unhappy with the NY Mets’ offseason thus far.
