MLB Trade Ideas: 5 Teams Who Will Covet Carlos Beltran at the Deadline
After missing half the season last year with a knee injury, Carlos Beltran is off to a torrid start this season.
He sat the third game of each of the first few series, but has played in almost every game since.
Beltran is hitting .296 with five HR, 18 RBI and an NL-leading 12 doubles. He’s also showed decent range in right field.
Beltran is set to be a free agent after this season, and it’s looking more and more like the New York Mets will explore trade opportunities for their right fielder.
At this point in his career, Beltran can benefit a team looking for a corner outfielder/DH for the stretch run. As such, an AL team seems like a better fit.
Odds are that Beltran won’t be a Met next season, so the Mets would be wise to at least get some value back in return.
Here are five teams that may make a play for Beltran at the trade deadline.
5. Tampa Bay Rays
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The Tampa Bay Rays are clawing at the New York Yankees' heels for bragging rights atop the AL East.
The Rays have gotten great production out of Sam Fuld and Matt Joyce, but Johnny Damon and B.J. Upton have had slow starts.
Carlos Beltran could provide some corner outfield depth for the Rays, who will need to keep scoring runs to keep pace with the Yankees.
Beltran would likely only be a two-month rental for the Rays, but his successful playoff history could get the Rays over the hump.
4. Detroit Tigers
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The Detroit Tigers may look into acquiring Carlos Beltran.
The Tigers have gotten nice production out of Brennan Boesch, but the other outfielders have struggled.
Austin Jackson is hitting under .200 as is designated hitter Magglio Ordonez.
Beltran could provide some offensive punch as the other players attempt to find their strokes.
The Tigers could be a possible home for Beltran the following year as well, since Ordonez appears to be on the way out in Detroit.
If the Tigers see Beltran as a fit, they may be willing to deal higher-level prospects to the Mets.
3. Minnesota Twins
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The Minnesota Twins are a team that could use Carlos Beltran right now.
Delmon Young and Jim Thome are both on the disabled list and the Twins offense could use a jolt.
Regular right fielder Michael Cuddyer has been playing second base in the absence of Tsuyoshi Nishioka.
Thome still has big-time power, but he might be better suited for a pinch-hitting role, thus making room for Beltran in the outfield while putting Jason Kubel at DH.
Beltran would likely only be a rental player for the Twinkies.
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2. Boston Red Sox
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After a terrible start, the Boston Red Sox are starting to play the way they are capable of playing.
J.D. Drew is off to a cold start, so Carlos Beltran could be an option for the Red Sox in right field.
The Red Sox also may be interested in Jose Reyes, so a blockbuster deal involving Beltran and Reyes could be in order.
Beltran would abuse Pesky’s Pole in right and pepper balls off and over the Green Monster in left.
This really could be a good fit at Boston will look to ascend in the AL East.
1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
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The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim would probably love to move current designated hitter Bobby Abreu to make room for Carlos Beltran.
Abreu has a club option for 2012 that vests with 433 plate appearances, and he’s practically one-third of the way there already.
Beltran would join Torii Hunter and Vernon Wells in forming a dangerous middle of the order.
The Angels have the pitching to make a deep postseason run, but they will need their hitting to remain consistent throughout.
Beltran could also be an option to remain in Los Angeles on a one-year deal as super-prospect Mike Trout continues to develop next season.
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