Indians rumors: Cleveland hasn't ruled out re-signing Travis Hafner

While they’ve acquired several players this offseason, including Mark Reynolds, Nick Swisher and Brett Myers, the Cleveland Indians continue to be in the market for a designated hitter, and the club hasn’t closed the door on re-signing veteran free agent Travis Hafner, according to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com:

While the DH role is still unsolved -- especially after Cleveland lost Russ Canzler to the Yankees on waivers on Friday -- the Indians could go a couple of directions. The team could go with a rotation of players at DH or continue to look for a full-time option. Antonetti did not rule out the possibility of bringing Hafner back on a lesser contract.

Indians general manager Chris Antonetti told reporters that Hafner could "potentially" land with the Indians. The GM added that the likelihood of a reunion will depend on what other opportunities the slugger receives and his thoughts on returning to Cleveland.

The Indians elected to decline Hafner’s $13 million option for 2013 earlier this offseason, instead opting to pay him a $2.75 million buyout. The 35-year-old hit .228/.346/.438 with six doubles and 12 home runs over 219 at-bats last season.

If Cleveland decides to stay in-house to fill their DH vacancy, Bastian notes some of the candidates include Rule 5 Draft pick Chris McGuinness, catcher Yan Gomes, utility man Mike Aviles and outfielders Ezequiel Carrera and Tim Fedroff.