MLB Trade Deadline: Beltran Traded to Giants; Deal Could Benefit Mets as Well

Recently, the Mets traded outfielder Carlos Beltran to the San Francisco Giants to clear some salary space, acquiring right-handed pitcher Zack Wheeler from the Giants.

It was only a matter of time until Beltran was traded, as the Mets knew they didn't have enough money to re-sign him after this year.

Also, this was the perfect time to trade Beltran. Beltran was batting .289 with 61 runs, 15 home runs and 66 RBI. Beltran is having a great year, which increased his value a lot.

Due to the Madoff scandal, the Mets lost tons of money. After trading Francisco Rodriguez to clear up cap space, dealing Beltran will free up even more room. 

By trading Beltran and Rodriguez, the Mets were also able to keep Jose Reyes, who will bring excitement and fans, producing more money.

The return for Beltran, Zack Wheeler, is a fantastic right-handed starter. According to MLB.com, in San Francisco's Class A advanced affiliate, Wheeler is 7-5 with a 3.99 ERA, striking out 98 batters and walking only 47 in 88 innings.

He's ranked 33rd on MLB.com's Top-50 Prospect list, and has become the Mets No. 1 prospect. Reports say he should be ready for the 2013 season.

Wheeler is just 21 years old, and was the sixth overall selection in the 2009 MLB First-Year Player Draft.

According to a video on MLB.com, Wheeler has a strong fastball and an effective change-up. Once he joins the Mets and is properly seasoned for a few years, he has the chance to be a very good pitcher, something the Mets need.

Farewell Carlos Beltran, you will be missed, but the Giants are not the only team benefiting.