MLB Free Agents 2012: Why Chicago Is the Best Place for Carlos Beltran

The Cubs are finally moving in the right direction in hopes of ending the “Billy Goat Curse” and winning a World Series. They currently have the longest title drought in professional sports, and they will do whatever it takes to win. 

The first move was the stealing of Theo Epstein from the Red Sox, who did a phenomenal job in breaking the Red Sox World Series curse. Then the Cubs fired manager Mike Quade and hired Dale Sveum from the Brewers, a tactic that that they hope to use to lure Prince Fielder. 

The Ricketts family are the new owners, and they are willing to spend. As we all know, the Cubs will be in hot pursuit for either Prince or Pujols, and they should also focus their attention on the other high-profile free agents.  

Epstein will likely rid the Cubs of the cancer that is Carlos Zambrano and not re-sign their best hitter in Aramis Ramirez. This will give the Cubs leeway to sign the other big-time free agents, and I believe the next-best option besides Prince and Pujols is Carlos Beltran. 

Throughout his career, Beltran has averaged 28 home runs and 105 RBIs per year, in addition to a lifetime .283 batting average. Not only has he been great at the plate, but he's been a solid outfielder as well. Beltran has been one of the most consistent players in baseball the last 10 years, and the Cubs are in desperate need of a player like that.

Although Beltran is 34 years old, he still has a lot left in his tank, and he can provide protection to Alfonso Soriano and whoever else they sign. His agent is Scott Boras, and Boras usually gets what he wants for his clients, so negotiations will be tough for the Cubs. Unfortunately, Epstein might have to overpay to get Beltran’s services.  

The advantage of playing at Wrigley Field is that more times than not the wind is blowing out, and if you have a little pop in your bat then the ball will fly out of the park. Beltran is still a power hitter and can take full advantage of Wrigley, a notorious hitter-friendly park.

The Cubs are in the market for an outfielder as they were putting minor league prospects out on the field last season. They could be competing against the Rockies, who are very thin in the outfield for the services of Beltran. Other teams in the market for an outfielder are the Red Sox, Indians and A’s. The Cubs need to offer Beltran a contract now before any other team nabs him. 

A potential lineup of Starlin Castro, Barney, Soriano, Beltran and one of the star free-agent first basemen would be a great starting point in the Cubs' quest for the World Series. This would be a balanced lineup that could carry this team into the playoffs this year.

Carlos Beltran needs to realize the potential of what the Cubs franchise can give him and what Theo Epstein is trying to accomplish.  While the idea of a Cubs World Series title seems like a dream, Carlos Beltran can make it a reality.