The Boston Red Sox are among "four or five" teams eying free-agent slugger Josh Hamilton, according to Rob Bradford of WEEI, who says Boston is only interested in a short-term contract.

It is rumored that Hamilton wants a seven-year deal, but sources tell Bradford that none of the teams has been ready to offer more than three years.

Dan Plesac of MLB Network tweeted that the Texas Rangers are interested in bringing Hamilton back and that the Milwaukee Brewers may be entering the mix for the five-time All Star and 2010 American League MVP. Hamilton hit .285/.354/.577 with 43 home runs last season.

Teams might be shying away from a seven-year deal given Hamilton's age (he turns 32 in May) and his past issues with substance abuse. The first pick of the 1999 draft didn't make his Major League debut until 2007. Since his arrival, he has hit 161 home runs with 553 RBI.

It has been a busy day for Boston at the Winter Meetings, as Mike Napoli signed a three-year $39 million contract earlier in the day.