The Diamondbacks, Cubs and Rays are interested in signing free-agent Jeff Keppinger, according to ESPN.com’s Buster Olney. CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman has mentioned the Diamondacks as suitors but also said a number of teams had interest in him.
Keppinger has received offers believed to be in the range of two years, between $7 million and $10 million. The 32-year-old is coming off a strong season in which he hit .325/.367/.439 in 418 plate appearances with the Rays. Over his career, Keppinger has been a much better hitter against left-handed pitching, hitting .333/.376/.487 against southpaws.
It’s tough to know whether those offers are still in play after Heyman reported that Keppinger broke his right fibula falling down the stairs in his house. Keppinger is expected to be ready by mid-January and should be 100 percent by spring training. But the injury is sure to be a factor in negotiations. Olney said that teams are aware of the injury but still will pursue Keppinger.
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