Red Sox rumors: Boston interested in Nick Swisher

The Boston Red Sox still have an interest in signing free-agent outfielder Nick Swisher, joining three other teams in pursuit of the slugger, reports Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston:

"The Boston Red Sox are one of four teams interested in signing free-agent outfielder/first baseman Nick Swisher, according to a baseball source.

The Red Sox look at Swisher as a fallback plan if they are unable to lure Josh Hamilton."

It is believed that Boston is unwilling to go more than three years with Hamilton – who is seeking a seven-year deal but is unlikely to receive more than four years – so the club may have to "settle" for Swisher.

The 32-year-old Swish is reportedly seeking a long-term deal of his own – in the range five or six years – so the Sox may have go beyond three years if they want to acquire the switch-hitter.

The San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians are the three other teams reportedly showing interest in Swisher. The Indians may have the best shot at signing the veteran now that a spot has opened up in right field with Shin-Soo Choo moving to the Reds yesterday.

Swisher hit .272/.364/.473 with 24 home runs in 148 games for the Yankees in 2012, right in line with his numbers for the previous three seasons.