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Report: Indians Aggressively Pursuing Nick Swisher to Replace Shin-Soo Choo

Trading Shin-Soo Choo netted the Indians a pitcher with a ton of potential in Trevor Bauer, but it also left  them with a hole in their lineup. They’re apparently now focused on filling that hole.

According to ESPN’s Jim Bowden, the Indians are continuing an aggressive pursuit of Nick Swisher, who would essentially replace Choo in right field.

Signing Swisher won’t be easy for the Tribe, though, as there appears to be a big market for the switch-hitting outfielder. The Red Sox, Phillies, Mariners, Rangers and Orioles are all interested in Swisher as well, according to Mark Feinsand of The New York Daily News.

According to Indians source they are continuing aggressive pursuit of Nick Swisher who would replace Choo in RF.

— JIM BOWDEN (@JimBowdenESPNxm) December 13, 2012

@yagottagotomo Indians, Phillies, Red Sox, Mariners, Rangers and Orioles all interested in Swisher. Big market for switch-hitting power OF.

— Mark Feinsand (@FeinsandNYDN) December 13, 2012

Swisher is coming off a season in which he hit .272 with 24 home runs and 93 RBIs. Those numbers are in line with what the 32-year-old has generally produced each season throughout his nine-year big league career, and when you factor in his durability, there’s no wonder he’s generating such interest on the open market.

Swisher’s price could increase even further if Josh Hamilton signs with a club, thus limiting the number of outfield options available.