Indians rumors: Cleveland in 'aggressive pursuit' of Nick Swisher

Now that Shin-Soo Choo has moved across Ohio to Cincinnati, the Cleveland Indians are stepping up their search for a new right fielder, and are believed to be in "aggressive pursuit" of free-agent outfielder Nick Swisher, reports Jim Bowden of ESPN.

The Indians have been rumored to be interested in the 32-year-old outfielder for some time, but now that there's a large hole in right field where Choo used to be, their need for a corner outfielder has become much greater.

The Tribe are not alone in their pursuit of the veteran switch-hitter -- who is believed to be seeking a five- or six-year deal -- as the Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, and Boston Red Sox are also interested in acquiring him, according to Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News.

Swisher hit .272/.364/.473 with 24 home runs in 148 games in his final season with the Yankees. The nine-year big-league veteran has averaged 26 home runs, a .361 OBP and 2.3 WAR in his eight full seasons in the majors, and should be a solid acquisition for whomever ends up signing him.