The slow-moving MLB offseason has taken a significant turn in New York, with both the Yankees and the Mets actively shaping their rosters for the upcoming campaign. As the calendar nears the new year, backup plans and major trades are coming into focus for the city's baseball giants.
Yankees' Plan B: Austin Hays Enters the Frame
With their primary offseason target, Cody Bellinger, still unsigned, the New York Yankees have begun exploring contingency options. On Wednesday, December 24, 2025, renowned MLB insider Jon Heyman reported that the Bronx Bombers have checked in on the availability of free-agent outfielder Austin Hays.
Heyman explicitly noted that Hays becomes a more realistic pursuit for the Yankees if they fail to secure Bellinger. This move signals the team's desire to add a reliable bat to their lineup, especially given the uncertainty surrounding their top choice.
Austin Hays, 30, brings a profile of steady production to the table. Over eight major league seasons, he boasts a solid .262 career batting average with 66 home runs and 242 RBIs. After spending seven years with the Baltimore Orioles, he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies at the 2024 deadline and played the 2025 season with the Cincinnati Reds.
His most recent season saw him hit .266 with 15 homers and 64 RBIs. A key strength is his prowess against left-handed pitching, where he posted an impressive .319/.400/.549 slash line and a .949 OPS in 105 plate appearances. Defensively, his experience of 456 games in left field makes him a strong platoon candidate, potentially pairing with young talents like Jasson Dominguez or Spencer Jones at Yankee Stadium.
Mets Shift Gears: Ketel Marte Trade Talks Accelerate
Across town, the New York Mets are orchestrating a significant roster overhaul. Following their trade of veteran Jeff McNeil earlier in the week, which opened a hole at second base, the Mets have aggressively entered talks to acquire star infielder Ketel Marte from the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Initial interest, reported by MLB.com's Francys Romero on Monday, December 22, has now evolved into serious discussions. The 32-year-old Marte is one of the most prominent names on the trade block this winter. The Diamondbacks, seeking to bolster their pitching depth, are open to moving the versatile switch-hitter.
Marte's contract is a significant factor, featuring six years of team control worth $116.5 million. It also includes full no-trade protection, but that clause is set to activate only after the tenth day of the upcoming season, creating a narrow window for a deal.
Pitching Prospects Central to Negotiations
As reported by SNY Network insiders John Jastremski and Chris Lopresti on December 24, the Diamondbacks' asking price is centered on young, promising arms from the Mets' system. Two names have emerged as potential centerpieces in the trade package.
Jonah Tong is one pitcher involved. While his major league debut in 2025 was challenging (2-3, 7.71 ERA), he showcased dominant form in the minors, registering a stellar 1.43 ERA across 22 starts. The other is Brandon Sproat, who made four starts in the big leagues but spent most of the year with Triple-A Syracuse, finishing with an 8-6 record and a 4.24 ERA.
The inclusion of these prospects underscores the high cost of acquiring a player of Marte's caliber and the Diamondbacks' clear directive to stockpile young pitching talent for their future.
What These Moves Mean for New York Baseball
The Yankees' inquiry into Hays reveals a pragmatic approach to a stalled market. It provides them with a viable, cost-effective alternative to Bellinger—a right-handed hitter who excels against lefties and solidifies their outfield defense. For the Mets, the pursuit of Ketel Marte is a bold statement of intent. Acquiring a perennial All-Star candidate would instantly transform their infield and signal a commitment to competing in a tough National League East, albeit at the expense of future pitching assets.
As the offseason continues its slow march toward spring training, the actions of these two New York franchises will be closely watched, with potential ripple effects across the entire league.
