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Detroit Tigers are 'front-runners' for Torii Hunter, according to report

Torii Hunter has drawn big-time interest from the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees, with the Tigers reportedly the favorites to sign the veteran free agent outfielder.

By Bryan Kilpatrick
Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE

The Detroit Tigers are the favorites to sign free agent outfielder Torii Hunter, a source told ESPN's Jim Bowden. The Texas Rangers are also heavily in the mix for the 16-year MLB veteran.

Hunter just completed a five-year, $90 million commitment with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. In his five seasons in southern California, the 36-year-old Hunter hit .286/.352/.462 while averaging 21 home runs and 29 doubles per season.

Hunter expects negotiations to move quickly, he said on Monday in an MLB Network appearance. The Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers have also been linked to him this offseason. The Tigers and Rangers appear to be the best fits, though, as Texas will likely need to replace fellow free agent Josh Hamilton, while Detroit is in dire need of corner outfield help.

A nine-time Gold Glove winner and a four-time All-Star, Hunter is a lifetime.277 hitter and is three home runs shy of 300 for his career. Last season, he hit over .300 for the first time as a major leaguer.