Here’s a hard pill to swallow for Guardians fans: the team’s outfield struggles might not be solved anytime soon, and a perfect solution could slip through their fingers. Austin Hays, the free agent outfielder who seems tailor-made for Cleveland’s needs, is now being linked to two American League rivals—the Yankees and Royals. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the Guardians desperately need a right-handed hitter who can mash left-handed pitching, they might not be able to outbid teams that offer more guaranteed playing time. Let’s break it down.
Austin Hays isn’t a household name like Aaron Judge, but he’s exactly the kind of player the Guardians have been searching for. A right-handed hitter with a solid bat and outfield skills, Hays posted a .266/.315/.453 slash line last season, hitting 15 home runs in just 103 games. His OPS+ was 5% above league average, making him a reliable addition to any lineup. For a Guardians team whose outfielders hit a dismal .223 last season, Hays would be a welcome upgrade. And this is the part most people miss: he’s particularly effective against left-handed pitching, a weakness Cleveland has struggled to address for years.
But here’s the catch: the Guardians aren’t the only team eyeing Hays. MLB insider Jon Heyman recently revealed that both the Yankees and Royals have expressed interest in signing him. The Yankees, fresh off a strong outfield performance in 2025 thanks to Aaron Judge, Trent Grisham, and Cody Bellinger, see Hays as a backup plan if they can’t retain Bellinger. Meanwhile, the Royals, whose outfielders hit a league-worst .219 last season (second only to the Angels), have already signed Lane Thomas but still need another right-handed bat. Hays fits the bill for both teams, but neither needs him more urgently than the Guardians.
So, why might Cleveland lose out? The answer lies in playing time. The Guardians’ front office has made it clear they won’t block their young outfielders’ development, which means any offer to Hays would likely come with limited at-bats. In contrast, the Yankees and Royals could offer him a more prominent role, especially if Bellinger leaves New York. And this is where it gets even more complicated: Hays’ decision will likely hinge on Bellinger’s, as he’s expected to wait until the star outfielder signs before making his move.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is it smarter for the Guardians to prioritize developing their young talent, even if it means missing out on a player like Hays, or should they go all-in on a proven veteran to fix their immediate outfield woes? Let’s hear your take in the comments. One thing’s for sure—this offseason just got a lot more interesting.
