Blue Jays on the verge of deal with left-fielder all-star free agent
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Victor William
Jan 30, 2026 (1:41 PM)
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Photo credit: Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Blue Jays have spent a fortune this winter, but signing Austin Hays would be the savvy, low-cost move that actually completes the puzzle.
Ross Atkins has already pushed the chips to the center of the table, yet one glaring hole remains in left field.
Reports suggest the former All-Star could be had for around $5 million, which is frankly a steal for a guy with his track record.
Austin Hays (Drafted Round 3, 2016 by Orioles) is not just a depth piece; he is a legitimate major leaguer who knows the AL East inside and out.
After a solid bounce-back season with the Reds in 2025, he proved he still has plenty of thunder in the bat.
He hit .266 with 15 home runs and 64 RBIs over 103 games, posting a respectable .768 OPS.
More importantly, he provides insurance.
With Anthony Santander coming off a shoulder injury and Daulton Varsho’s health always a factor, relying on rookies like Addison Barger is a massive gamble.
Local analysts are already pointing out how well Hays fits the current roster construction. https://heavy.com/sports/mlb/toronto-blue-jays/austin-hays-5-million-all-star-signing/
He crushes left-handed pitching, which balances the lineup perfectly.
Championship teams are built on depth
We don't need him to be the MVP; we need him to be a professional hitter who grinds out at-bats.
Hays brings a "dirtbag" mentality to the field—he plays hard, throws his body around, and fits the gritty identity John Schneider wants.
Getting a proven 15-homer guy for the price of a middle reliever is savvy business.
It takes the pressure off the young guys and gives the manager a reliable option when the inevitable mid-season slump hits.
This isn't the flashy move that sells jerseys, but it is the kind of move that wins games in August.
If Atkins can pull this off, he gets an A+ for the winter.
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