Report: Yankees Could Be Close to Deal With Travis Hafner, Also Talking With Others

by Ricky Doyle on Wed, Jan 30, 2013 at 2:14PM

The Yankees are still looking for a designated hitter, and it seems they have their eyes fixated on one of the league’s pure DHs.

The Yankees have expressed interest in Travis Hafner, according to MLB.com. WEEI.com’s Rob Bradford reports that the Bronx Bombers might be close to a deal with the free-agent slugger.

It’s hard to imagine, but Hafner once jacked 42 home runs in a season. He was one of the American League’s more feared hitters during a three-year stretch from 2004 to 2006, but he has since seen his production drop off, in large part because of injury issues.

Hafner hit .228 with 12 home runs and 34 RBIs in 66 games with the Indians last season, but Cleveland opted to exercise a $2.75 million buyout rather than pick up his $13 million option for 2013. MLB.com reports that Hafner and the Indians have remained in contact, though.

Hafner could eventually land in New York, but we shouldn’t count out other options. According to CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman, the Yankees are talking to others, in addition to Hafner.

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

Photo via Flickr/Keith Allison