Mike Morse rumors: Yankees, Red Sox

The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are among the teams that have contacted the Washington Nationals regarding first baseman/outfielder Mike Morse.

The Yankees called the Nationals about Morse following their re-signing of first baseman Adam LaRoche, according to Jack Curry of The YES Network. At the time, Washington wasn’t ready to discuss a potential trade, but Curry notes that "the two teams will eventually talk."

Sources say that the Red Sox have also talked to the Nationals about Morse, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. He adds that Boston could view Morse as a less expensive fallback option to free agent Mike Napoli.

Morse’s relatively small financial commitment, in terms of salary and years, is likely also what’s making him appealing to the Yankees. Morse is under contract through 2013, as he’s set to earn $7 million next year.

It’s been reported that the Nationals could be seeking a left-handed reliever in exchange for Morse. Beyond the Yankees and Red Sox, the Seattle Mariners, Cleveland Indians, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles have all been connected to Morse.