Yankees “quietly interested” in free agent Michael Bourn?

The Nationals and Phillies seemed like the most logical potential suitors for free agent center fielder Michael Bourn when this offseason got underway.

But the Nats traded for Denard Span and the Phils traded for Ben Revere, both from the Twins. Which has everybody wondering where Bourn will now land.

Here’s one theory -- if we can call it that -- from the well-connected Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe:

It will be interesting to see where Bourn’s market goes. Some believe the Yankees are quietly interested and will pounce if the price comes down, which would give them the leadoff hitter they have wanted for some time.

Cafardo also mentions the Rangers -- who are desperate for some kind of splash -- as a “possibility.”

The Yankees are trying to get their payroll under $189 million by the start of the 2014 season to avoid another luxury tax hit and haven’t seriously engaged any free agents who are thought to be seeking long-term deals. But Bourn might ultimately come pretty cheap, and he does fit one of the Bombers’ primary needs.

Bourn batted .274/.348/.391 with a career-high nine home runs and 57 RBI across 703 plate appearances this past season for the Braves. The fleet-footed 29-year-old also stole 42 bases in 55 attempts.