MLB Free Agents 2012: Teams That Must Make Strong Charge for Carlos Beltran

Lost in the talk about Albert Pujols and Jose Reyes is the fact that a good outfielder in Carlos Beltran remains unsigned. 

John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reported via Twitter that the Giants won't be bringing him back. 

Prior to that, Jon Heyman reported via Twitter that the Red Sox aren't terribly interested in Beltran. 

But the Giants and Red Sox are only two of 28 teams in Major League Baseball. There are some that could really use Beltran and need to go hard after him. That may mean overpaying, but for the right talent, overpaying isn't the end of the world. Beltran certainly wouldn't be the first or last player to bring in more money than he's worth. 

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs' outfield situation is rather pathetic. They are going to have a really hard time competing in the National League Central with all of its hitter's parks with the offense they currently boast. 

It's just not going to get it done.

Beltran is the kind of player to step into the middle of the Chicago order and make a difference. Yes, they need some arms, but this team is not one that's only a player or two away. 

They need a lot, and Beltran is a big name on the offensive end that they can bring in. Prince Fielder would be the bigger name and it sounds good, but if they can't afford both, it's much easier to find first basemen to bring in.

Los Angeles Angels

The Angels have depth in the outfield. Also, unlike the other two teams, they play in the American League. Beltran is getting older and has battled injuries for his entire career, so the ability to have off days and DH is big.

Los Angeles is a middle-of-the-road hitting team. In 2011, they were 14th in baseball in home runs and 15th in batting average.

If they are going to seriously contend for the American League West or a wild card spot, they will need some offensive punch. Beltran brings that to the team.

Washington Nationals

While they aren't in the American League, the Nationals do have a deep outfield that would give Beltran plenty of time to rest when he gets banged up.

This team is not far from being an absolute juggernaut in the National League East. They are a young team, and Beltran is certainly not young, but that doesn't matter. 

What Beltran is is a good reliable veteran player that would step in and guide the younger players as they develop. By the time the contract runs out, those players will be fully developed as major leaguers. Until then, Beltran would be a player to bring the team reliable production.