Yankees eye Hafner to be DH

The Yankees reportedly have been talking to former Indians slugger Travis Hafner to join New York as a designated hitter.

Hafner, who has hit 201 home runs in 11 seasons, would replace Raul Ibanez who left the Bronx for Seattle.

The 35-year-old Hafner has battled injuries the past five seasons in Cleveland, averaging 86 games per year. Last year he batted .228 with 12 home runs and 34 RBIs in 64 games for the Indians.

Cleveland released Hafner in October, paying a $2.75 million buyout instead of a $13 million option.

The two teams discussed a trade for the power-hitting left-hander last year. The Yankees would have sent A.J. Burnett to the Indians for Hafner, but the deal fell through and Burnett was dealt to Pittsburgh.