Interest in free agent outfielder Torii Hunter continues to increase, with the Texas Rangers stepping out to the front of the pack in their pursuit to sign him. ESPN’s Buster Olney reports that the team is “making a push” to finalize a deal with Hunter. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports is hearing the same, but notes that the Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Royals, and Minnesota Twins all remain in the mix.
The Rangers have been making a push for Torii Hunter, who would help to balance out their lineup.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 2, 2014
As @Buster_ESPN said, #Rangers indeed making push for Torii Hunter. #Orioles maintain interest. Talks coming to a head.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 2, 2014
#Royals and #Twins also remain in mix for Torii Hunter, according to a source.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 2, 2014
Hunter, 39, was rumored to be considering retirement following Detroit’s ousting from the playoffs but he quickly shot those claims down, citing a desire to play at least one more season. The Twins, where Hunter’s career began, have long been viewed as a potential favorite to land him – somewhat of a coming home contract, allowing Hunter to help foster a strong clubhouse presence and mentor the organization’s younger prospects. While a reunion between the two sides makes some sense, it is appearing less and less likely with each passing day. Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press learned that Hunter would prefer to sign with a contender, likely taking the Twins out of the running.
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In 586 plate appearances this past season, Hunter hit .286/.319/.446 with 33 doubles and 17 home runs. He proved that he can still be productive at the plate, but there are questions about how effective he can continue to be defensively as age continues to catch up to him. It seems unlikely that he’ll be seeking more than a one year deal at this point in his career.
Hunter does make sense for a Rangers team looking to balance their lineup. Hunter – who has an offseason home in Texas – is a right-handed hitter and could offer up some depth to a lineup devoid of right-handed power outside of Adrian Beltre. He’d largely be stepping into the role that Alex Rios played last season.