While the New York Yankees have a need for at least one outfielder
this winter, the club is not involved in the market for free agent slugger Josh
Hamilton “at this point,” according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
#yankees not involved with hamilton at this point. hear they'd only consider if fell into lap at low #. not happening.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 9, 2012
Heyman adds that the Yankees would only consider signing
Hamilton if he “fell into” their lap. He finishes by saying this is “not
happening.”
After watching Ichiro Suzuki and Nick Swisher enter the free
agent market, the Yankees are left with a void in the outfield. Brett Gardner
will return and is an option to man left field for New York, but they will
still be missing a significant bat in Swisher when it comes to right.
Given the Yankees eye toward the future and the luxury tax
threshold, they wouldn’t seem to be a fit for Hamilton, who figures to command
a lucrative multi-year contract. However, it’s never smart to count the Yankees
out on anything, especially when it comes to a player whose market is still
developing.
If the Yankees don’t pursue Hamilton, they could turn to
fellow free agent corner outfielder Cody Ross. New York could also look to make
a trade for a veteran such as Jason Kubel, Michael Cuddyer or Josh Willingham.
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