Yankees Reportedly Interested In Signing Free-Agent Travis Hafner
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- It's no secret that the Yankees could use some more power in their lineup.
The Bronx Bombers lost plenty of pop to free agency this offseason.
Nick Swisher — who hit 24 dingers last season — signed a lucrative deal with the Indians, and Raul Ibanez (19 homers), Russell Martin (21 homers) and Eric Chavez (16 homers) also left New York to sign elsewhere. Even Andruw Jones, who left the Bronx for Japan, belted 14 blasts off the bench.
And to top it all off, Alex Rodriguez is not expected to make his debut until after the All-Star break, and general manager Brian Cashman acknowledged that he might not play at all in 2013. A-Rod drilled 18 home runs in 122 games in 2012.
The Yankees made just one splash this offseason to bolster their offense, signing Kevin Youkilis to a one-year, $12 million contract. But the former Red Sox hero, who went deep 19 times last season, isn't much of a power threat. Eduardo Nunez. who homered just once last season, is the projected Opening Day designated hitter.
So where do the Yankees turn now?
Well there isn't much time left in the offseason, but some options still remain -- albeit not optimal ones.
Travis Hafner is one of those options.
Multiple sources have reported that New York is interested in signing the 35-year-old free agent as the club looks to find a more suitable bat to serve as designated hitter. The Indians cut ties with the 10-year veteran in October, declining his $13 million option and instead paying a $2.75 million buyout.
Hafner was placed on the disabled list in May with a knee injury and then again in August with lower back inflammation. The 6-foot-3, 240-pounder played in just 66 games for Cleveland, batting .228 with 12 home runs and 34 RBIs.
Hafner is a lifetime .278 hitter with 201 home runs and 694 RBIs. His best season came in 2006, when he batted .308, jacked 42 home runs and had 117 RBIs.
Any interest in Hafner, Yankees fans? Sound off with your thoughts and comments below...
