MLB Free Agents 2012: 5 Teams That Should Be Vying for Carlos Beltran

Back in 2005, Carlos Beltran was the most coveted free agent on the market, and he ended up signing with the New York Mets $119 million. Will this offseason be any different?

Beltran is, by far, one of the best outfielders available in this free agency class, but he is also approaching 34 years old. It is hard to imagine another team shelling out a huge and long term contract to the former All-Star. He still will be highly coveted, as he proved in 2011 that he is still a threat in the batter's box.

In 2011, Beltran batted .300 with 22 home runs and 84 RBI. These numbers are down from his impressive past, but he still was extremely effective, especially with getting on base (.385 OBP). There is no doubt that Beltran can increase the strength of any team in baseball.

Here are five teams that will be looking really hard at bringing Beltran to their team.

San Francisco Giants

The place Carlos Beltran ended up in, could be the place where he finds his next contract.

In July, the New York Mets traded Beltran to the San Francisco Giants. There, Beltran played extremely well, batting .323 with 11 RBI in 44 games. The RBI numbers could have been higher, but Beltran did do a good job of getting on base.

The Giants likely don't want to treat Beltran as just a rental, considering they gave up assets for him. The Giants know the NL West will be up for grabs once again in 2012, so they are best to make their move to grab the talented outfielder.

Boston Red Sox

With many big contracts already sitting on the Boston Red Sox payroll, newly promoted general manager Ben Cherrington will likely be looking to spend wisely. He will also have the challenge of replacing designated hitter David Ortiz if both parties decide to part ways.

If Ortiz does indeed move on from Boston, their next best option should be Carlos Beltran. Beltran would be a great hitter, and while he isn't a bad fielder, he wouldn't have to worry about doing so or getting more run down playing the field. He will also be a good substitution if they need an outfielder here and there.

Also, in comparison to Big Papi, Beltran could actually play the field during the NL-AL games. Ortiz wasn't a very effective first baseman, so with this option the Red Sox wouldn't have to sub in a terrible fielder for someone who can't play the field.

The question is if Beltran would be willing to leave his glove in the locker room, but he likely wouldn't mind to take one last shot at a title in Beantown.

Chicago Cubs

Currently, the Chicago Cubs have a relatively weak outfield and lineup. After trading right fielder Kosuke Fukudome, the Cubs have been shorthanded and are in need of something.

Enter Carlos Beltran. With a player like Beltran, the Cubs would be getting a solid hitter, and one who can turn it on for power. He also is a much better fielder then current Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano. The only issue with Beltran is he is going to have a big price tag.

Will Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer be willing to spend the premium on Beltran? Well, it will only be likely if they do not get Prince Fielder or Albert Pujols, but Beltran can very much be a better option at likely a much smaller price.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Could you imagine an outfield of Andrew McCutchen and Carlos Beltran? Wow, the Pittsburgh Pirates would be one scary team.

The Pirates were already turning out to be a great team in 2011, and don't expect 2012 to be any different. If the St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers both lose their main guy, the Pirates could easily sneak into the front of the pack by adding a player like Beltran.

The Pirates have never been big spenders though considering their market, but perhaps now is the right time to open up the checkbook.

Miami Marlins

The newly named Miami Marlins are going to be looking to make a big splash in their inaugural season. They have a lot of needs, but they could knock out two of those needs with the signing of Carlos Beltran.

Beltran will provide the Marlins with two things. A consistent hitter and true star player. Hanley Ramirez is a great player, and many should expect Ozzie Guillen to get him in shape, mentally and physically. They Marlins will still need more though, and Beltran could be that guy.

Beltran is also Puerto Rican, which is a very prominent culture in Miami. He could not only become a hero for the team, but he could also become a cultural icon in this new start for the Marlins organization.