Yankees performing diligence on Josh Hamilton

Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY Sports | USATODAY

The New York Yankees have launched a preliminary background check on free agent All-Star slugger Josh Hamilton, according to an American League general manager.

The general manager spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive and ongoing nature of the negotiations.

While the Yankees are nowhere near the point of commencing negotiations with Hamilton, the 2010 AL MVP whose struggles with drug addiction have been well-chronicled, they are conducting due diligence in the event Hamilton somehow fits into their offseason plans and future budgets.

The Yankees have a desire to fit their 2014 payroll under the $189 million luxury tax threshold, a goal that would seem at odds with adding Hamilton.

However, the market for the slugger has been tepid, with only the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners known to have been in contact with Hamilton. While a long shot, it's conceivable Hamilton's apparently diminished options could align with the Yankees' long-term payroll goals, particularly if they front-loaded the deal with a large salary for 2013.