Yankees rumors: New York frontrunner for Nate Schierholtz

Free agent Nate Schierholtz is "making good progress toward his next deal," according to Buster Olney of ESPN, who adds that the New York Yankees are currently the frontrunner to sign the outfielder:

Nate Schierholtz, who has generated a lot of interest since being non-tendered by PHI, is making good progress toward his next deal.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 5, 2012

The Yankees are the early frontrunner in Nate Schierholtz's talks for his next team.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 5, 2012

The Phillies decided not to tender a contract to Schierholtz last week, making him a free agent. He was acquired by Philadelphia last summer in the trade that sent outfielder Hunter Pence to the San Francisco Giants.

The Yankees are in the market for an outfielder this winter, as Ichiro Suzuki and Nick Swisher both reached free agency following the season. While Suzuki could re-sign with New York, it doesn’t appear there’s much of a chance Swisher will be returning.

Schierholtz has spent his career as a backup at the major league level. The 28-year-old hasn’t started more than 77 games in a season over his six years in the majors.

Over his 77 games with the Giants last season Schierholtz hit .251/.321/.417 with four doubles, five triples and five home runs. He then hit .273/.319/.379 over 66 at-bats with the Phillies, finishing the year with a combined line of .257/.321/.407.