Red Sox rumors: Boston in ongoing negotiations with Nick Swisher

The Red Sox signed veteran outfielder Jonny Gomes last Wednesday on a two-year, $10 million deal, but are not done shopping for outfield upgrades. Boston is in continuing discussions with free-agent outfielder Nick Swisher, reports Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe:

The Red Sox have had ongoing negotiations with Swisher and his agents.

Swisher would be more than adequate as a replacement for Cody Ross. He is a switch hitter and has a much better on-base percentage (.361 career)...

He would also be a good clubhouse presence and seems to fit Boston’s lineup well.

Swisher, 32, spent the last four seasons patrolling right field for the Yankees, hitting .268/.367/.483 and averaging roughly twenty-five home runs a year. It was rumored in August that the switch-hitting Swisher was seeking a contract in the Jayson Werth range of seven years and $126 million, but it remains to be seen whether any team would be willing to give Swisher that kind of money.

Boston made a run at re-signing Ross before he hit the open market, but his three-year, $25 million asking price was likely too high for Sox's liking, so the club may view Swisher as a better option.