Melky Cabrera free agency rumors: Mariners ‘favorites’ for the switch-hitting outfielder, per report

The Seattle Mariners are currently the "favorites" to sign free agent outfielder Melky Cabrera, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.

Even after signing Nelson Cruz to a four-year, $57 million contract last week, the Mariners are still looking to add an outfield bat to their lineup. The club has considered trades for Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, Evan Gattis and Yoenis Cespedes, but also have an interest in Cabrera, who is seeking a five-year deal.

Per Heyman, Seattle is willing to give the switch-hitting Cabrera a contract similar to the one they handed Cruz. That likely makes the outfielder too pricey for teams like the Royals and White Sox, who have also been linked to him. Those figures could also lead the Blue Jays, who have shown an interest in re-signing Cabrera, to look at other options. Furthermore, Seattle already forfeited its first-round pick to sign Cruz, meaning the Mariners have less to lose in draft compensation (a second-rounder) than any of the aforementioned suitors besides Toronto (who would lose nothing to re-sign their own player).

Cabrera was on pace for a career season back in 2012, hitting .346/.390/.516 through 113 games for the Giants, before a suspension for PED use cut his season short. Although his 2013 struggles shouldn't be forgotten, Cabrera's bounce-back performance this past year rebuilt much of his value and will garner him a multi-year contract.