At best, only one of the New York Yankees or New York Mets can sign Cody Bellinger in free agency.
They aren't even his only suitors, but to point out the very obvious, there is only one Cody to go around.
That means that at least one of The Big Apple's ballclubs is going to end up disappointed -- and if the Toronto Blue Jays play spoiler, maybe both.
That could leave at least one looking for another outfielder.
MLB insider Jon Heyman reported on Tuesday that the Yankees and Mets are both looking into Austin Hays, who also has interest from the St. Louis Cardinals.
MORE: Jeff Passan just broke the most unexciting trade of the MLB offseason
Heyman does write that Bellinger remains the top target for the New York teams.
Eventually, one will have to cope with not getting him, though.
Hays spent the 2025 season with the Cincinnati Reds and put up a.768 OPS.
A right-handed hitter, Hays is particularly strong batting against left-handed pitching. He also has some speed and can play any of the outfield spots.
MORE: It's a good day to cue up John Fogerty's 'Centerfield'
The Mets could probably use Hays a little more, given they still haven't solved their centerfield issue.
The Yankees have enough depth in the outfield. They just don't necessarily have the high-end talent of Bellinger.
It'll certainly be a fascinating subplot if one of the Yanks or Mets gets Bellinger, and the other has to settle for Hays.
More MLB news:
- Team USA's projected WBC lineup is incredible
- Dominican Republic's projected WBC lineup is fierce
- Red Sox are paying Manny Ramirez same 2026 salary as Dodgers are paying Shohei Ohtani
- Buster Posey will change Hall of Fame voting forever
- An Air Force Captain will pitch for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic
- Hunter Pence's nephew has the best name and a 100 MPH fastball