Josh Hamilton 'intrigues' Braves, but asking price likely too high

Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton is the top hitter available on this winter's free agent market, and while he could be a nice fit for the Atlanta Braves, CBSSports.com's Danny Knobler says it is unlikely the 2010 AL MVP will end up in Atlanta.

With the Braves likely to lose third baseman Chipper Jones and outfielder Michael Bourn, they could stand to add an impact bat this offseason, it just might not be Hamilton.

Knobler suggests that it might not be Hamilton's checkered past and history of injuries that takes the Braves out of contention for the slugger, but that he's left-handed. Atlanta already boasts a lefty-heavy lineup with first baseman Freddie Freeman, outfielder Jason Heyward, catcher Brain McCann and Jones' likely successor at third base, Juan Francisco.

Hamilton's asking price might also be too much for the Braves to take on, as baseball scribe John Perrotto has reported that the outfielder is looking for a seven-year, $175 million deal.

The 31-year-old Hamilton hit .285 with 43 home runs and 128 RBI for the Rangers in 2012, despite missing several games late in the year with vision issues.