Market for J. Hairston heating up
Infielders have been the hottest commodity in the early stages of the free-agency period.
Now it’s Jerry Hairston’s turn.
The Dodgers, Brewers and Giants are among the clubs showing interest in Hairston, major league sources say.
Hairston, 35, spent last season with the Nationals and Brewers, posting a .727 OPS in 376 plate appearances, then going 15 for 39 (.385) with four walks and six doubles for the Brewers in the postseason.
He plays second base, shortstop and third, as well as all three outfield positions, and each of the interested teams likely would use him in some type of super-utility role.
Six free-agent infielders — Aaron Hill, Clint Barmes, Mark Ellis, Jamey Carroll, Willie Bloomquist and John McDonald — have signed two-year contracts this offseason.
The money in those deals ranged from $3 million for McDonald to $11 million for Hill. Hairston, who was on a one-year, $2 million contract last season, likely will get a significant raise.
The Brewers have made Hairston a one-year offer, one source said, but might prefer to invest in a full-time free-agent shortstop such as Jose Reyes or Jimmy Rollins rather than make Hairston part of their solution at the position.
Hairston could protect the Giants both at second and short; second baseman Freddy Sanchez is coming off surgery on his right shoulder and shortstop Brandon Crawford is unproven.
The Dodgers likely would play Hairston all over the field. They signed the oft-injured Ellis to play second and plan to use the inexperienced Dee Gordon at short. Hairston also could see time in their outfield.
— Ken Rosenthal


