The New York Yankees have been listed as one of four teams who has shown the most interest in designated hitter, Carlos Beltran.
Who would have thought that a New York Yankees, Carlos Beltran reunion was plausible? Oh, wait.
According to WEEI, a source close to the negotiations between teams and the nine-time all-star has discovered that the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Yankees and Houston Astros have shown the most interest.
The switch-hitting 39-year old slashed .304/.344/.546 with an OPS of .890 and 22 home runs in 99 games during the first half in New York in 2016.
Beltran then kept his stock up by smacking seven home runs and 12 doubles in 52 games for the AL West-winning Texas Rangers. He was denied his first World Series win after being swept in the ALDS by the Blue Jays but fully plans on returning to the game for his 20th season.
Beltran appears to be a better fit as the team’s everyday DH (especially being a switch hitter) than Brian McCann is, and if the team needs to take his roster spot thanks to the promotion of Clint Frazier (just an example), moving Beltran to the bench could happen or even trading him for some prospects at the deadline again.
That could also push the effort for the Yankees to deal McCann for some prospects, something they won’t do thanks to his value as a DH and ability to deny any trade. This would unquestionably provoke him to waive his no-trade clause as the signing of Beltran will drive McCann to a bench role.
In the end, while the idea of bringing Beltran back seems crazy initially, and many of you got on me for bringing up the idea not too long ago, but it seemingly works for both sides. It should surprise no one that Cashman is at least demonstrating some interest in a reunion.
