The New York Yankees are considering free agent Travis
Hafner as a possible left-handed designated hitter, according to David Waldstein of The New York Times.
The Yankees are considering the veteran free agent Travis Hafner as a possible left-handed designated hitter, according to a person familiar with the team’s planning.
It was reported yesterday that the Yankees were potentially
nearing an agreement with Hafner, but Waldstein says that no deal is close, as
New York continues to look into other candidates.
Hafner reached the open market when the Cleveland Indians elected
not to exercise his option for 2013 but instead buy out his contract. The
35-year-old hit .228/.346/.438 with six doubles and 12 home runs last season,
and he owns a career line of .278/.381/.507 over 11 seasons at the major league
level.
The Yankees have mostly been tied to potential
right-handed-hitting fourth outfielder candidates, since their trio of
projected outfield starters, Ichiro Suzuki, Brett Gardner and Curtis
Granderson, all bat from the left side of the plate.
However, New York is also in need of a regular DH after
losing Raul Ibanez to free agency. Beyond Hafner, Bobby Abreu, Johnny Damon,
Jim Thome, Jason Giambi, Aubrey Huff, Carlos Lee and Lyle Overbay are also
available.
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