The Cleveland Indians are reportedly “prime suitors” for veteran outfielder Shane Victorino.
In dire need of adding talent at a position of need, the Indians, per ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick, have emerged as the likely landing spot for the long-time Philadelphia Phillies outfielder. Chris Antonetti has long been a fan of Victorino with interest dating back to last season. He’s joined by the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and New York Yankess in terms of interested parties.
Crasnick reports via Twitter that newly hired manager Terry Francona personally called Victorino earlier this offseason.
The 31-year-old outfielder is coming off of a disappointing 2012 season — in comparison to the 2009 and 2011 seasons wherein Victorino garnered MVP consideration — in which he hit .255/.321/.383 with 11 home runs, 55 runs batted in, 39 stolen bases and a career-worst OPS of .704.
Seeing that outfielders BJ Upton and Angel Pagan have signed long-term deals, it is believed that Victorino is seeking a contract in the 3-to-4-year range. It is believed that a deal, regardless of team, could get done before teams leave Nashville’s Winter Meetings.
[Related: Tribe At The Winter Meetings: Will They Add, Or Blow It Up?]
