Yankees rumors: New York open to discuss Curtis Granderson

The New York Yankees are open to talking to teams about trading outfielder Curtis Granderson, reports Buster Olney of ESPN:

NYY have been open to talks about Curtis Granderson. If they move his $15m salary, it would provide more flexibility to do other things.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 4, 2012

The availability of Granderson would inject new life into the market for a center fielder, which has been severely depleted in the last few days with the signings of B.J. Upton and Angel Pagan. Michael Bourn and Shane Victorino are the top names left on the free-agent market. The cost of the free-agent duo paired with their potential production -- or lack thereof -- will likely make Granderson a popular target for teams like the Phillies and Reds, who are in the market for a new center fielder.

The 31-year-old topped 40 home runs for the second-consecutive season in New York in 2012, but saw his batting average and on-base percentage suffer. The lefty slugger hit .232/.319/.492 in 160 games on the season, striking out an alarming 190 times.

Granderson is owed $15 million for 2013 and will be a free agent following the season.