Omar Infante rumors: Royals will compete with Yankees for 2B

The two teams have a desperate need for a second baseman going into 2014.

Dec 8, 2013, 4:42 PM UTC

Jim Rogash

The Kansas City Royals are very interested in signing second baseman Omar Infante to fill a hole in their lineup, reports Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.

Royals Review: Royals Interested in Omar Infante

If the Royals want to sign Infante, they will have to go head-to-head with the Yankees once again this offseason. The two sides recently battled for outfielder Carlos Beltran, who ultimately decided to go to New York. The Yankees already have an offer on the table for Infante and will presumably be even more motivated to sign him with Robinson Cano officially leaving the team to sign with the Mariners.

The Royals, meanwhile, non-tendered Chris Getz and now have Emilio Bonifacio and Johnny Giavotella as the only second basemen on the roster. They do not seem sold on either player as a preferred starting option for 2014 as the team hopes to once again compete for a playoff spot. With Bonifacio's ability to play multiple positions and not-outstanding hitting numbers, the speedy 28-year-old fits better in a utility role. Giavotella has hit well in the minors, but has a career .613 OPS over parts of three MLB seasons.

Infante, 31, played 118 games for the Detroit Tigers in 2013 as he helped the team win the AL Central over the Royals and Indians. The 12-year veteran had arguably his best career season at the plate last year, hitting .318/.345/.450 with 10 home runs. He also provides good defense at second base. While he has only been named to one All-Star Game over his career, Infante has always been a solid player that certainly would not hurt a contending team.

Of course, the Royals and Yankees will not be the only two teams hoping to sign Infante. Several teams have sent an offer to the second baseman this offseason.