The Rangers and Josh Hamilton are making progress in contract talks, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. According to Rosenthal's sources, a deal would likely be for four years. The Rangers have been the most aggressive team on Hamilton so far, but it's still possible someone could swoop in with a bigger offer. The Mariners, Red Sox, Orioles, Phillies and Brewers are among some of the other clubs mentioned as possible landing spots.

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that the Mariners met with Josh Hamilton on Sunday. Hamilton is attending the Winter Meetings and talked with the M's before the festivities officially got underway. The outfielder also has reportedly met with other unidentified clubs. Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik has downplayed the possibility of signing Hamilton, but he's obviously at least exploring the possibility. The Rangers are the "most aggressive" team on Hamilton, according to Rosenthal.

Rob Bradford of WEEI.com hears that the Red Sox are among 4-5 teams that are interested in Josh Hamilton on a short-term deal. Just how short remains to be seen, but Hamilton, at the bare minimum, will almost surely get at least four years from someone and could be looking for as many as seven years. In other words, it's highly unlikely that he would fall into the Red Sox' comfort zone. FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reported earlier Monday that the Rangers are pursuing Hamilton harder than anyone else.

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that the Orioles are not expected to sign Josh Hamilton.

Rangers GM Jon Daniels said on Monday that he has "maintained dialogue" with Josh Hamilton and his agent. "I think he wants to be here," said Daniels. "But like any deal or situation there are a number of other factors involved. We've just chosen not to comment on it. But we've been consistent all along: We'd like to have Josh back." It sounds like it'll be a late-developing market for the free agent outfielder, who has been linked loosely to the Phillies, Orioles, Mariners, Brewers, Red Sox and Braves. The Rangers are very much in the hunt.

Jayson Stark of ESPN.com was told by agents who have spoken with the Phillies that Josh Hamilton is "no longer on their list." B.J. Upton or Cody Ross always seemed like more realistic options for the Phils, though general manager Ruben Amaro wouldn't rule out a marquee signing if it's the right fit. "I don't know that yet," he said. "We haven't been given a real budget. I know it's not unlimited, but that's not usually how we work. There are limitations, but each situation is unique, in and of itself. We didn't budget for Cliff Lee. But we signed Cliff Lee. We haven't budgeted for a bunch of things we've done. Each situation is different."

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com writes that it's "hard to tell exactly where (Josh Hamilton) stands with anyone." That's the sense most baseball insiders have at this point. A big reason for that, Heyman says, is because Hamilton's agent, Michael Moye, has a policy of not saying anything about how negotiations for his client are going. The Phillies, Orioles, Mariners, Brewers, Red Sox, Braves and Rangers have all been linked to Hamilton at one time or another, but most of those teams have either downplayed the possibility or aren't viewing Hamilton as their top choice. It's totally up in the air at this point as to who the best free agent hitter on the market ends up with.

Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said Friday that he doesn't see the Mariners as being big players in the pursuit of Josh Hamilton. While he didn't completely slam the door on the idea, he hinted that the length of contract and financial commitment would surpass where they would like to be. The Mariners seem more likely to allocate their resources over several free agents, rather than going all-in on Hamilton.

Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports that the Red Sox' interest in Josh Hamilton is "overblown." CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reported earlier Thursday that many believe the Sox will make a big play for the top free agent hitter, but Bradford says Hamilton "doesn't appear to be near the top of the team's list of players it hopes to target." He adds that Boston, like other teams, is hesitant to commit to the number of years Hamilton is looking for. The Mariners, Brewers, Orioles and Braves reportedly have some interest in Hamilton, but where he ends is totally up in the air at this point.

According to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman, there's a belief that the Red Sox will try to sign Josh Hamilton. "Boston wants to do something big and it wouldn't shock me if they became players for Hamilton," an unnamed general manger told the CBS Sports reporter. The Red Sox do have quite a bit of room in their budget, but they also have many holes to fill. Committing over $100 million to one player might not be the wisest strategy at the moment for that organization. The Mariners, Brewers, Orioles and Braves are also known to have interest.