We heard a report over the weekend that the Dodgers were “aggressively pursuing” free agent outfielder Torii Hunter. While nothing can be ruled out right now with the free-spending Dodgers, it didn’t make a lot of sense considering that Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier and Carl Crawford are all locked in on long-term contracts. And it appears they will not be a match.
Mark Saxon of ESPN Los Angeles was told by a source that the Dodgers are “out” on Hunter. No word on whether the player or the team ended talks, but Hunter told Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times on Saturday that the Dodgers didn’t offer him a two-year deal and that he wasn’t ready to take on a diminished role. He’s likely to get a two-year deal and a clear path to a starting job elsewhere.
The Tigers, Rangers, Yankees, Red Sox, Phillies and Braves are just a few of the teams who have reportedly expressed interest in Hunter. Saxon reported this morning that the veteran outfielder is expected to make a decision about where to sign within the next two weeks.