Michael Bourn remains a free agent, and Jim Bowden of ESPN
speculates that the Tampa Bay Rays, New York Mets and Seattle Mariners are the
three teams that make the most sense for the talented center fielder.
What teams make the most sense for Michael Bourn at this point? in my opinion: TB, NYM & Sea....and for Kyle Lohse? Box,TX,LAA,Milw,Balt
— JIM BOWDEN (@JimBowdenESPNxm) February 2, 2013
Bourn’s market has developed extremely slowly this winter,
and it’s not clear which teams are in or out on or hot or cold on him at this
point. All three of the teams Bowden mentions have been tied to Bourn
throughout the winter, but so have other clubs.
The Mets have seemingly been most connected to Bourn of late, but they remain a longshot to sign him, according to reports. New York
doesn’t want to go more than three years guaranteed on Bourn, while the free
agent is seeking a five-year contract. The Mets, like most others teams, are
also hesitant to surrender their first-round pick in order to sign the center
fielder.
New York certainly has a need, and the Mariners are another club that is in the market for offense. They’ve been tied to some of MLB’s
biggest names this winter, but they missed out on the likes of Justin Hamilton
and Justin Upton.
The only way a deal between Bourn and the Rays seems
feasible is if it’s a short-term contract with an option that allows the center
fielder to opt-out and hit the open market again next year.
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