MLB Trade Rumors: 4 Reasons Why the Boston Red Sox Won't Acquire Carlos Beltran

The MLB trade deadline is fast approaching and rumors are swirling around a deal involving the Boston Red Sox and the New York Mets.

The centerpiece is a familiar name, as the Red Sox have long coveted Carlos Beltran. The idea of this deal has begun to gain momentum and Boston has been portrayed as the most aggressive in their pursuit of the Mets' superstar.

This potential deal, however, remains highly unlikely, and here's is why.

Cost

The Mets have made no secret of Beltran's availability, but their original asking price immediately excluded many teams from trade contention. That was until New York offered to cover Beltran's remaining salary this season in a deal.

His lessened price tag obviously makes him more appealing to Boston, the problem is that his appeal has likely increased across the league as well.

Lowering his cost has likely increased interest around MLB which will in turn hike his price as the Mets could be fielding multiple offers.

Beltran would be a tremendous offensive bat to add to the lineup, but his contract expires after the season, and he'll enter unrestricted free agency. If a trade were to take place, Boston would essentially be renting Beltran for a year with the hopes that they could re-sign him.

He's getting up there in age but will likely still demand a pretty penny when it comes time to sign his next contract. The Sox will carry a massive pay role into 2012 and signing Beltran would be no easy task.

Age

Speaking of his age, Beltran is 34. While he has largely retained his value when on the field, he has certainly struggled to remain on it in recent years. The centerfielder hasn't completed a full season since 2008.

With his 331 at-bats logged so far in 2011, Beltran has already exceeded his at-bat totals in 2010 and 2009. New York was wise to hold onto him to this point because he's done a tremendous job of improving his stock with a very solid campaign to this point. 

His age and injury history are major reasons to avoid this deal.

Prospects Lost in a Potential Deal

Speaking of age once again, just who would the Red Sox have to give up to land Beltran?

Gordon Edes, an ESPN insider, reports that New York has been heavily scouting Boston's farm system, top to bottom.

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Mets special assistant J.P. Ricciardi has spent the last couple of days in Portland scouting the Sea Dogs, a source said.

The players the Mets are interested in, according to the source, include outfielders Reddick and Ryan Kalish, shortstop Jose Iglesias, pitchers Anthony Ranaudo and Felix Doubront and third baseman Will Middlebrooks.

In other words, the best the Red Sox have to offer.

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Acquiring a player of Beltran's stature will not come at a low price and the Red Sox would be wise to avoid dipping into the minors for awhile. The team gave up a lot to make the Adrian Gonzalez deal happen, and it's been a team principle for years to protect the farm.

Other Options Available

Beltran simply isn't the only option on the table for the Red Sox either.

Sitting on their very own roster is Josh Reddick who has gone on an absolute tear as of late. The 24-year-old has been making a mockery of opposing pitchers to the tune of .367. Reddick has four dingers, 18 RBI and 19 runs scored in just 79 at-bats.

He may not be likely to continue his rampant pace, but if he keeps producing solidly, there may be no reason to acquire a big bat in the outfield.

If Boston does decide to go that way they could look in the direction of a guy like Ryan Ludwick. He's struggling a bit this year in a pitcher-friendly PETCO park, but he's certainly an option and one the Sox have reportedly already looked into.