The New York Yankees could be adding another offensive piece in the coming days, as WEEI.com’s Rob Bradford reported on Wednesday that the team is close to a deal with free agent designated hitter Travis Hafner. The 35-year-old hit free agency after the Cleveland Indians elected not to pick up his $13 million option for 2013. No monetary terms or length of deal have been mentioned as of yet, but one has to believe it would be a one-year contract, possibly even a minor-league contract.
A solid power hitter when healthy, Hafner has not played a full season since 2007, when he hit .266 with 24 home runs and 100 runs batted in. Last season, Hafner was limited to just 66 games with the Indians, posting a .228/.346/.438 batting line.
It remains to be seen how Hafner would fit with in Yankees lineup. The team already has an entirely left-handed hitting outfield and a left-handed hitting second baseman in Robinson Cano. In addition to being another left-handed hitter, Hafner has virtually zero value in the field, having been strictly a designated hitter since 2008.
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