The New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Baltimore
Orioles, Seattle Mariners and Milwaukee Brewers are all considered “teams to
watch” in the Josh Hamilton sweepstakes, according to Nick Cafardo of the
Boston Globe.
Teams to keep your eye on include the Yankees, Dodgers (if they trade Andre Ethier), Mariners, Orioles, and Brewers.
We have already heard mention of the Mariners, Orioles and
Brewers having potential interest in Hamilton, while the Yankees and Dodgers are
newcomers to the conversation.
New York has a need in the outfield given Nick Swisher isn’t
expected to re-sign with the team. However, many question whether or not the
Yankees will be able to make the type of commitment Hamilton figures to require
given their desire to remain below the luxury tax in future years.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers do not have a clear need for Hamilton
at this point. Cafardo agrees with this, noting the team will only become
interested in the free agent slugger if they trade outfielder Andre Ethier. Los
Angeles doesn’t appear to be actively shopping Ethier, but there have been
reports that he’s available even after signing his lucrative contract extension
with the club last season.
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