Nick Swisher free agency: Yankees likely to make qualifying offer, not retain Swisher, according to report

Nick Swisher has been a productive right fielder for the Yankees over the four years of the free agent contract they signed him to back in 2009, but he's been in a permanent postseason slump in pinstripes, culminating in a .167 performance in the playoffs this year. He's a free agent, and, according to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman, he isn't likely to return in 2013.

Heyman, who hasn't developed the best reputation for his exclusives but remains in-tuned to the inner workings of the league, reports that the Yankees are likely to extend the qualifying offer for a one-year, $13 million salary, but Swisher would be likely to turn that down and seek a multi-year free agent deal. By extending the offer, the Yankees would gain a draft pick when Swisher would likely leave, according to Heyman.

Swisher, 31, had his most RBI as a Yankee last year with 93 — the second-highest total of his career — and had an on-base percentage of .364, but he's a career .169 hitter in the playoffs. Though his personality and play in 2009 helped spark the Bronx Bombers to their first World Series victory since 2000, Swisher's time in New York appears to be coming to a close.