The Royals have made it known they are pursuing an outfielder at this week’s Winter Meetings. It is a thin free agent market, and a report by Ken Rosenthal suggests they may look to add two outfielders – one via free agency, and one through a trade. Reporter Jon Heyman reports today that the Royals could seek a reunion with Mike Yastrzemski. But they also have interest in free agent outfielder Austin Hays. Austin Hays and Mike Yastrzemski drawing interest from Royals, who are closely surveying the OF market— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 8, 2025Hays is an eight-year veteran who has spent most of his career with the Orioles. He was an All-Star in 2023, but had a second-half slide, finishing at .275/.324/.444 with 16 home runs. He was traded to the Phillies in 2024 and had a down year, but rebounded in Cincinnati last year, hitting .266/.315/.453 with 15 home runs in 103 games.The 30-year-old right-handed hitter was a lefty-masher last season, hitting .319/.400/.549 against southpaws. That would make him a good platoon partner with young left-handed slugger Jac Caglianone, who struggled in his rookie campaign. Royals general manager J.J. Picollo has talked about wanting to add a veteran to push the young hitter and make him earn a spot. Hays did slump again in the second half, hitting just .248/.308/.396 after the All-Star break. He was not a product of Cincy’s bandbox ballpark, hitting better on the road than at home. He had a 7.0 percent walk rate last season, not great, but a career-best in a full season. He also posted a 25.7 percent strikeout rate, also a career high.Rosenthal reports that Harrison Bader is seeking a three-year deal, which may be more than the Royals are willing to offer, leading them to look at lower price options. Hays would likely sign a one-year deal, likely between $6 and $10 million. There have been several reports that the Royals are interested in bringing Yastrzemski, and Picollo even openly suggested the idea in his end-of-the-season press conference. The 35-year-old was terrific for the Royals after they acquired him from the Giants, batting .237/.339/.500 with nine home runs in 50 games with the Royals.