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The Rangers are pushing hard to sign free-agent outfielder Torii Hunter, as Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reported last night. Sources indicate that a deal is not yet close between the sides, but that "could change quickly", meaning that the Rangers could be emerging as the favorite to sign the veteran.
It is very possible that Hunter makes his final decision today, according to major-league sources. According to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com, the Orioles, Twins and Royals are also in the mix for Hunter, who noted over the weekend that he was in talks with the O's, Rangers, Twins and Mariners. Seattle's addition of Nelson Cruz may have taken them out of the running for Hunter, and his willingness to sign with a contender may rule out the Twins.
Hunter, 39, is negotiating what will likely be his last contract as he comes to the end of an illustrious career in which he has hit .279/.334/.465 with 331 home runs and 1310 RBI in eighteen major league seasons. He has been a free agent on two occasions in the past, signing with the Angels in 2007 and inking a two-year deal with the Tigers in 2012.