On Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, Daniel Barbarisi of the Wall Street Journal reported the New York Yankees are currently in talks with long-time Cleveland Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner.
The Indians declined Hafner’s $13 million team option for 2013 allowing him to become a free agent; however there have been whispers of his return but at a greatly reduced price tag. He played 10 seasons with Cleveland although injuries have plagued him since 2007.
In 2012 Hafner appeared in just 66 games batting .228 with 12 home runs and 34 RBIs. He posted an OBP of .346. His hefty $13 million salary in 2012 was a huge financial burden on the team, that had a very limited budget to work with in the first place.
Hafner is looking for a major league deal while the Yankees are looking to replace the left-handed DH vacancy created by Raul Ibanez’s decision to return to the Seattle Mariners. Meanwhile, Cleveland still has a hole to fill at the position.
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