Former New York Yankees’ OF/DH Carlos Beltran has reportedly signed with the Astros, and will not be returning to New York.
Take a deep breath “Baby Bomber” enthusiasts, 39-year-old Carlos Beltran will not be returning to the New York Yankees.
According to Buster Olney of ESPN, the switch-hitting DH has a one-year, $16-million contract including a full no-trade clause with the Houston Astros.
The Yankees were one of four teams among the Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros and the Toronto Blue Jays to be pursuing him but he chose the team in which he played 90 games with back in 2004.
It has also become apparent that while Cashman was reaching out to Beltran, a former offer was never made. Which makes sense. $16 million to a one-year DH doesn’t fit well in year two of a rebuild.
The nine-time all-star 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 but kept his stock up by smacking seven home runs and 12 doubles in 52 games for the AL West-winning Texas Rangers.
With Houston back in ’04, Beltran hit 23 home runs and slashed .258/.368/.559 with 53 RBI’s. He’ll join his former teammate and Yankee, Brian McCann, who was dealt to the Astros back in November.
Although Edwin Encarnacion’s destination isn’t imminent, one can assume that the Yankees, Red Sox, Rangers and Blue Jays are the frontrunners for his services.
Tune into ESNY as more news, updates and rumors emerge this Hot Stove season.
