MLB Trade Rumors: The Giants and 4 Possible Teams That Could Land Carlos Beltran

According to MLB Trade Rumors, many teams are in the hunt for New York Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran.

However, the deal-breaker will be if and when New York offers to pay for most (or all) of Beltran's remaining contract. It's not very likely to happen, as it is rare to see a club take on such a large payment ($6 million) at this point in the season. But his bat has proved to be worth it.

Beltran is hitting .287 this year with 14 home runs and 59 RBI. The 34-year-old right fielder has an on-base percentage of .381 and is hitting .333 with runners in scoring position.

There are only a few teams able to afford Beltran's remaining salary, and even then, it's not a done deal. This means it's decision-time for the Mets' front office—do they choose cap relief or spend some money and receive a better prospect?

Either way, here are the potential future teams Carlos Beltran could find himself playing for.

5. Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies own the Major League's best record with 59 wins to just 35 losses, but they're still in need of another solid bat.

Beltran would be a perfect fit to fill that void.

Phillies' right fielders Domonic Brown and Ben Francisco have split time this season, combining for a .232 batting average, 11 homers and 47 RBI.

Beltran would look nicely batting either second after Jimmy Rollins or fifth following Ryan Howard.

According to SportsCity.com, the entire Phillies squad is making a grand total of $165,976,381 in 2011. Would they have room for an extra $6 million this year?

Yeah, probably.

But it'd be a lot easier to make a deal if that wasn't part of the plan.

4. Los Angeles Angels

Torii Hunter has had an exceptional career, but it seems as if it is beginning to slide. The 36-year-old right fielder is hitting just .239 with 11 home runs and 45 RBI for the Angels in 2011.

If Los Angeles is planning on making a run at first place in the AL West with the Texas Rangers, improvement at the plate is crucial. L.A. is ranked 23rd in the league in runs scored (366) and 15th overall in batting average (.254).

Beltran isn't much younger, but his statistics are great, as he's playing like he did in 2008.

3. Boston Red Sox

J.D. Drew hit a pivotal grand slam in 2007's ALCS elimination game against the Cleveland Indians to carry Boston on to the World Series, where the Red Sox ended up sweeping the Colorado Rockies.

But he's hurting his team in 2011.

The 35-year-old right fielder is hitting .225 (.206 w/RISP) with just four home runs and 22 RBI. His OBP is .325, and he has struck out 55 times.

Drew is the kryptonite to what is the best offense in all of baseball. If Boston can add Beltran to its already-stellar lineup, opposing pitchers will start carrying Advil in their back pockets.

2. Detroit Tigers

Detroit is one of two teams that could truly afford to pay for Beltran's remaining salary. And with Magglio Ordonez struggling big time, the Tigers are in need of a hot-hitting right fielder.

It's possible Detroit would do away with Ordonez completely due to his age (37) and recent struggles (not to mention his hefty salary of $10 million), but it's not likely. If Beltran was signed, he would most likely take over right field, and Ordonez would serve as his occasional backup and DH (behind Victor Martinez).

However, the Tigers are 50-45 and only a half-game out of first place in the AL Central. They need a three-hole hitter ASAP, and this deal would only make sense.

1. San Francisco Giants

The reigning world champs are 55-41 so far in 2011 and have a 3.5 game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NL West.

And it's a wonder how they've gotten this far with one of the worst offenses in the MLB.

The Giants rank 26th in runs scored (351), 25th in batting average (.242), 24th in on-base percentage (.309) and 26th in slugging percentage (.362).

Their pitching has been phenomenal,—3.17 team ERA, 62 quality starts and a .229 batting average against—all top five in the MLB.

How long can San Francisco keep this up? An estimated guess would be enough to get into the playoffs, but the Giants have another thing coming if they think they can contend with the Phillies right now.

Pat Burrell is past his prime and has been battling injuries. The left fielder's time is up, and the Giants need to move forward to Carlos Beltran.

The versatile Cody Ross and Nate Schierholtz, currently holding down the RF position, would have no problems transferring to left field to make room for Beltran, giving San Francisco a solid outfield lineup.

Not only are they in desperate need of a bat, but the Giants are the most relevant team for this deal and are in line to pay for Beltran's remaining $6 million from the Mets (if they have to).

Be ready to see a move like this on ESPN's headlines in the near future.