MLB trade rumors: Yankees eye former Orioles outfielder Austin Hays amid Cody Bellinger wait; Mets predicting Jonah Tong, Brandon Sproat trade move

Austin Hays has quietly become a real name to watch for the New York Yankees as the MLB offseason continues to move slowly. On Wednesday, December 24, 2025, respected MLB insider Jon Heyman reported that the Yankees have checked in on the free-agent outfielder. This comes as the team still waits on clarity around Cody Bellinger, their top target.At the same time, the New York Mets are active in trade talks. After moving Jeff McNeil earlier this week, the Mets have been linked to Ketel Marte of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Young pitchers Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat have now entered those discussions, according to multiple New York reports.

Austin Hays enters New York Yankees plans if Cody Bellinger talks stall

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the New York Yankees reached out to Austin Hays on Wednesday, December 24. The check-in happened as uncertainty continues around Cody Bellinger, who remains unsigned.Heyman wrote, “The Yankees also have checked in on Austin Hays. Hays becomes more realistic for them if they are unable to retain their No. 1 target Cody Bellinger.”Austin Hays is 30 years old and brings steady production. Over eight MLB seasons, he owns a .262 career batting average with 66 home runs and 242 RBIs. He spent seven seasons with the Baltimore Orioles before being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies at the 2024 deadline.During the 2025 season with the Cincinnati Reds, Austin Hays hit .266 with 15 home runs and 64 RBIs. He stood out against left-handed pitching, posting a .319/.400/.549 slash line and a .949 OPS in 105 plate appearances. Defensively, he has played 456 games in left field, making him a strong platoon option with Jasson Dominguez or Spencer Jones at Yankee Stadium.On Monday, December 22, Ketel Marte was linked to the New York Mets by MLB.com reporter Francys Romero. The interest grew after the Mets traded Jeff McNeil, opening second base.Ketel Marte, 32, remains one of the biggest trade names this offseason. The Arizona Diamondbacks are open to moving him as they look to add pitching depth. His contract includes six years of team control worth $116.5 million, with full no-trade protection set to activate after the tenth day of the season.On Wednesday, December 24, SNY Network insiders John Jastremski and Chris Lopresti reported that the Diamondbacks are asking for young arms. Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat were named as possible centerpieces. Jonah Tong went 2–3 with a 7.71 ERA in the majors but posted a strong 1.43 ERA across 22 minor-league starts. Brandon Sproat made four MLB starts and spent most of the year with Syracuse, finishing 8–6 with a 4.24 ERA.Also Read: MLB Trade Rumors: MLB Insiders Predicting Kazuma Okamoto Could Surpass $34 Million Murakami Deal As Orioles Eye JoJo Romero