Michael Bourn rumors: Mariners, Rangers, Phillies

The Seattle Mariners like free agent Michael Bourn "very much," according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, who adds that the Philadelphia Phillies and Texas Rangers are also targeting the center fielder.

The Mariners have made no secret of their desire to add offense this offseason. While Bourn isn’t known as a power hitter, he is a candidate to provide production at the top of Seattle’s rotation and solid defense in the outfield.

Philadelphia has made center field its priority this offseason, but it’s watched as its two top targets, B.J. Upton and Angel Pagan, signed elsewhere. Philadelphia is rumored to be not quite as high on Bourn as they were on Upton and Pagan, but at this point they may be forced to pursuing him given the lack of alternative options.

The Rangers would not appear to be as clear of a fit for Bourn as the other two teams, and Heyman notes that they are involved with "many, many other" players as well. Texas has been tied to several of the market’s top free agents so far this offseason, including Josh Hamilton and Zack Greinke.

Over seven years at the major league level Bourn, 29, has hit .272/.339/.365. He’s good for extra-base hits and has stolen at least 41 bases in each of the past five seasons.