"Nick Swisher seems set for a return to the Bronx next year after a baseball executive familiar with the Yankees' thinking said Thursday the team would "probably pick up" Swisher's contract option.

Triggering Swisher's $10.25 million option would likely mean that the Yanks would not pursue ex-Met Carlos Beltran as an answer in right field.

"That's the clue," the executive said. If the Yankees pick up Swisher's option, they "won't be in on Beltran."

Beltran, like many free agents, was discussed at the Yankees' organizational meeting in Tampa on Wednesday, but the Yankees would not need both players next season. Of course, the Yankees could pick up Swisher's option and then trade him, though he has some limited no-trade protection - he can block deals to six teams."