The Seattle Mariners seem to be a "possible new entry" into the sweepstakes for free agent outfielder Josh Hamilton, while the Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Pittsburgh Pirates and Milwaukee Brewers are other possibilities, reports Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com:
The Mariners look like a possible new entry in the Josh Hamilton sweepstakes, people familiar with their thinking suggest.
We learned of the Orioles interest yesterday, and the Brewers have been tied to Hamilton since the start of free agency. However, money figures to be an issue with both teams. It’s reported that Hamilton is seeking a seven-year, $175 million contract, and this would almost certainly count out both clubs
One executive Heyman spoke with speculated that Hamilton could make sense for the Pirates and Braves. Neither team has a history of making large commitments to free agents, but the Braves are reportedly "intrigued" by the market’s top hitter.
Heyman adds that Hamilton’s former team, the Texas Rangers, are also said to retain interest in re-signing the slugger, but they likely won’t get into a bidding war in order to bring him back.