By Cesar Tordesillas

The Los Angeles Dodgers are supposedly the latest team to pursue free agent outfielder Torii Hunter.

The team was said to have offered a two-year contract to join the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, Philadelphia Phillies and the Tampa Bay Rays in trying to engage Hunter's services.

Hunter's agent has talked to the Yankees about a one-year contract.

The Dodgers need someone to step up in left fielder Carl Crawford's place as he recovers from elbow surgery early next season.

According to the LA Times, the Dodgers met with Hunter's agent at the general managers' meetings at Indian Wells this week. The newspaper stated that it was Hunter's agent who initially reached out to the Dodgers.

The LA Times also refuted other reports that the Dodgers are shopping Andre Ethier. This means that if Hunter were to sign with them, he would be doing so to be a fourth outfielder since the team also has starting outfielder in Carl Crawford.

But Hunter, 37, said he would like to play with Dodgers centerfielder Matt Kemp, whom he called "my little brother in this game." He is looking for a multi-year contract, something his agent communicated to the Dodgers.

A nine-time Gold Glove winner, Hunter coming off one of his finest seasons. He batted .313 with 16 home runs and 92 RBIs for the Los Angeles Angels, who did not extend a qualifying offer to him.

Because of that, any team that signs Hunter would not have to surrender a draft pick.

 

 

Los Angeles Dodgers in Line for Torii Hunter