MLB Free Agency 2013: Examining Possible Replacements for Nick Swisher

Nick Swisher absolutely loves being a Yankee.

There's really no better way to put it. Swisher enjoys donning the pinstripes, and he has easily become one of the fans' favorite players because of it.

Swisher will be a free agent following the 2012 season, and he hasn't been shy about telling the media that he would love to finish his career as a Yankee.

Unfortunately for him, the Yankees may look for an upgrade in right field given the talent of next season's free-agent class.

After being acquired from the White Sox prior to the 2009 season, Swisher has performed very well in the regular season for the Yankees.

In 450 games (1,590 at-bats), Swisher has posted a .267/.368/.486 line with 81 home runs and 256 RBI. He has also provided surprisingly decent defense in right field.

His playoff line, though, leaves much to be desired.

In five trips to the postseason throughout his career, Swisher has posted a miserable .169/.295/.323 line with four home runs, six RBI and 36 strikeouts in 124 at-bats.

Despite his regular-season success, the Yankees may be looking for someone who has proven that they can be a clutch hitter in the postseason. We all know that any season that doesn't result in a championship is a failure for this team.

These five free-agent outfielders could all be possible targets for the Yankees after the 2012 season, as they are looking for someone who can produce when it counts. 

Josh Hamilton

Even with his off-field issues, Josh Hamilton could be a target for the Yankees following the 2012 season. 

There's no doubt about his talent on the field, but the Yankees may be hesitant to add him as he will be one of the more expensive free-agent outfielders. In the team's efforts to lower the payroll to under $189 million by 2014, the Yankees may have no choice but to pass on the powerful lefty.

If he can be had at a semi-reasonable price, expect the Yankees to extend an offer of about three years with a club option his way.

Hamilton has been a huge part of the Rangers' successes in the past two seasons, and has really helped to anchor the lineup in his four years in Texas.

With a line of .311/.366/.541 with 99 home runs and 378 RBI during his time with the Rangers, Hamilton stands to receive a nice payday from whoever ends up signing him.

The Rangers will be major players, of course, but expect the Yankees to be interested if he can be had at their price.

Melky Cabrera

In 2010 as a member of the Braves, Melky Cabrera posted a below average season after being dealt by the Yankees in the deal for Javier Vazquez.

In 2011 as a member of the Royals, though, Cabrera finally hit his stride.

In 706 at-bats, Cabrera hit 18 home runs, knocked in 87 runs and posted a line of .305/.33/.470. He established himself as a top of the lineup talent, which led to the Giants' interest in him following the season.

The Giants acquired him for lefty Jonathan Sanchez earlier in the offseason, and Cabrera figures to help a lineup that was abysmal in 2011. He is a free agent after the season though, and the Yankees may be interested to bring back their once highly-touted prospect.

Cabrera never put it all together as a member of the Yankees, despite showing flashes of his potential every now and again. He is best remembered for his incredible catch to rob Manny Ramirez of a home run, a play that is one of the best defensive highlights in recent memory.

The Yankees have no choice but to look into a reunion with Cabrera, as he's now beginning to prove that he can be a capable Major Leaguer.

With another good season, Cabrera's potential contract value will definitely increase, but he should be more affordable than Swisher or Hamilton.

It's a real possibility that Yankees fans could see the Melk-Man wearing pinstripes once again in 2013.

Delmon Young

Delmon Young may not be an option that the Yankees consider right away, but he's definitely someone with talents that could benefit the club.

While Swisher is a decent outfielder with patience at the plate and an inability to hit in the postseason, Young is exactly the opposite. He is an above average fielder with a cannon for an arm, zero patience at the plate and the ability to perform in the clutch.

Although the fact that Young is a first-pitch swinger may scare the Yankees away, it's hard to question his level of production.

In his six-year career, Young has hit .288/.321/.428 with 71 home runs and 408 RBI. Plus, he absolutely destroyed the Yankees in the 2011 LDS.

In the five-game series, Young hit .316/.381/.789 with three home runs, three RBI and four  runs scored.

The fact that he is an above-average outfielder is another inviting aspect. During his career, Young has thrown out 54 men trying to advance.

Simply put, you don't run on Delmon Young.

Given the fact that he will be just 27 years old when he hits free agency, the Yankees could look to lock him up with a three or four-year deal. 

Shane Victorino

The Phillies may have their hands full next offseason, as contract negotiations with Cole Hamels could get really interesting. If he ends up re-signing with the team at a really high price, the Phillies may not have the cap space to re-sign Victorino.

Victorino would be a hot commodity as a free agent. With many teams interested in his services, it may come down to a bidding war — and we all know how the Yankees fair in those.

The Yankees' outfield would easily become the fastest in the league should they acquire the Flyin' Hawaiian, and the overall outfield defense would improve as it would allow Granderson to shift over to right field so Victorino could play his natural position.

Victorino's power as well as his ability to be an offensive catalyst would add an interesting dimension to New York's lineup. With Jeter on the downslide, he could insert some speed into the leadoff position. In a lineup already containing speedsters Brett Gardner and Granderson, this would probably make the Yankees tops in the league in stolen bases.

Add in the fact that Victorino owns a .269 career average in the playoffs, and the Yankees would be wise to jump at the chance of signing him.

A three or four-year deal worth about $40 or $50 million would probably be enough, but the chances of that happening are slim to none. 

He loves it in Philadelphia, and he may be willing to take a pay cut to stay with the Phils.

Andre Ethier

If the Yankees let Swisher walk following the season, Andre Ethier would be the most likely option to replace him.

Despite a down year in the run production category in 2011, Ethier still managed to bat .292 for the second consecutive season. He is also great at getting on-base, posting at least a .350 OBP in every season of his six-year career.

His left-handed bat would be a perfect fit for Yankee Stadium, as would his solid defense (he won a Gold Glove in 2011).

Ethier is also a very clutch performer. His postseason numbers include a .266/.356/.500 line with three home runs and six RBI in 64 at-bats.

It's likely that Ethier will command a large amount of money when he hits the open market, but the Yankees would most likely be willing to go all in to acquire his services.

There's no guarantee that the Yankees let Nick Swisher walk after the season, but if they do, expect this man to take his place in 2013.