The Yankees’ search for a powerful right-handed bat has broadened, with sources saying they are interested in Washington’s Michael Morse.
The 30-year-old Morse looks to be expendable after the Nationals agreed to a two-year deal with first baseman Adam LaRoche Tuesday. With LaRoche at first and three outfield spots already filled, Morse is the favorite to be moved.
Since the Yankees have a starting outfield of three lefties in Curtis Granderson, Ichiro Suzuki and Brett Gardner, general manager Brian Cashman has been trying to find a right-handed hitter to plug in.
Morse would also add some needed power to a lineup that has lost Nick Swisher, Raul Ibanez and Russell Martin, and will also be without Alex Rodriguez at least for the first half of the season.
With one year left on his contract, Morse is owed $6.75 million, which fits into the Yankees’ financial plan of not adding any money to the 2014 payroll.
Eduardo Nunez is perhaps the Yankees’ best answer at DH right now, so Morse would help there. He’s not a particularly good outfielder and he dropped from a .910 OPS with 31 homers and 95 RBIs in 2011 to a .791 OPS a year ago, with 18 home runs and 62 knocked in.
Washington is known to be looking for left-handed relief help, so Boone Logan could be a fit in a trade, along with prospects.
Cashman has repeated throughout the offseason he is content with the team’s bullpen, of which Logan is a key piece. But with limited choices on the open market to add a right-handed outfielder — hence the signing of minor-league free agents Matt Diaz and Russ Canzler — he figures to be intrigued.
Numerous teams, in addition to the Yankees, have reportedly reached out to Washington. Considering Scott Hairston is the best remaining free-agent right-handed outfielder, the pursuit is not surprising.
* The Yankees announced Tuesday they will play an exhibition game against Washington at Nationals Park on Friday, March 29 at 2:05 p.m.