Yankees rumors: New York out of running for Torii Hunter?

The New York Yankees may be out of the running for free-agent outfielder Torii Hunter because they are unwilling to sign the veteran to a multi-year deal, reports Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News:

Torii Hunter may be headed to a new American League contender, but it doesn’t look like it will be the Yankees.

Hunter is seeking a two-year deal after a solid 2012 season, but a source said the Yankees don’t appear to be inclined to offer more than one.

The Yankees are looking to replace Nick Swisher in the right field, and Hunter was thought to be one of their leading candidates, but the club has balked at giving a multi-year deal to a 37-year-old outfielder. Hunter made $18 million in 2012, and the short timeframe he’s given clubs to negotiate gives the appearance that he does not expect much of a pay cut next season.

The Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers remain the front-runners for the veteran’s services, though the Rangers may not be as sold on the outfielder as presumed. Hunter met with Tigers brass at Comerica Park Tuesday in a "meet-and-greet", but it is not believed the club made him a formal offer.

Hunter hit .313/.365/.451 with sixteen home runs in his final year with the Angels.