Braves rumors: Atlanta interested in Scott Hairston

The Atlanta Braves are among the teams that are interested in free agent outfielder Scott Hairston, reports David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution:

#Braves are among teams interested in OF Scott Hairston, but could be too pricey for them, esp. w/ NYY among others interested.

— David O'Brien (@ajcbraves) December 21, 2012

O’Brien adds that Hairston might prove too expensive for the Braves, especially with the New York Yankees also expressing interested in him. Hairston could command a contract similar to the two-year, $10 million agreement Jonny Gomes reached with the Boston Red Sox earlier this offseason.

Hairston spent the past two seasons with the Mets, and the 32-year-old posted decent totals, especially in the power categories, last year. Over 377-at-bats with New York he hit .263/.299/.504 with 25 doubles, three triples, 20 home runs and eight stolen bases in 10 attempts.

Hairston manned all three outfielder positions for the Mets last season, but he’s generally regarded as a corner outfielder. Over nine seasons at the major league level Hairston has hit .247/.302/.449.

Beyond the Braves and Yankees, the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians have all expressed some level of interest in Hairston this offseason.