Michael Bourn Free Agency: New York Yankees And Texas Rangers Interested In Outfielder?

The New York Yankees and Texas Rangers could sign Bourn if he brings his price down, according to a report by the Boston Globe. This is Bourn's first eligible year of free agency, and he made roughly $6.8 million last season.

New York has been steadfast in their attempts to keep payroll below $189 million, the salary tax threshold, but could use some insurance in their lead-off spot with short stop Derek Jeter coming off season-ending ankle surgery and nearing the end of his career.

The addition of Bourn could also spruce up a Yankee outfield that will feature 39-year-old Ichiro Suzuki, and Brett Gardner, who appeared in just 16 games last season due to injury.

Bourn won’t fill in for the some of the power New York lost when they let Nick Swisher walk to the Cleveland Indians and Russell Martin to the Pittsburgh Pirates, but will gain significant speed on the base paths.

Texas can also make a play for Bourn, trying to band aid a lineup that lost power hitter and former MVP Josh Hamilton to the Los Angeles Angels last month via free agency. The Rangers also moved Michael Young to Philadelphia, while free-agent designated hitter Mike Napoli came to terms with the Boston Red Sox, though that deal has not been officially announced. Napoli and Hamilton combined for 67 of the Rangers 200 home runs last season.

Should Bourn sign with Texas, he will join A.J. Pierzynski and Geovany Soto as the major offseason additions.

The Rangers could also use Bourn’s speed. Texas was 12th in the American League with 91 steals, while New York was 11th with 93.

The 30-year-old Bourn earned his second All-Star selection and some NL MVP votes in his first full season with Atlanta Braves last year, stealing 42 bases, and knocking 26 doubles and 10 triples, while scoring 96 runs.