NYDN: Beltran, Yankees Could Have Mutual Interest

In a report for the Daily News, Mark Feinsand writes that the Yankees and Carlos Beltran could have mutual interest in each-other this off-season.

Oct 11, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Carlos Beltran (left) celebrates after hitting the game-winning single off of Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Kenley Jansen (background right) in the 13th inning in game one of the National League Championship Series baseball game at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

The article is more supposition than substance.  The following is the most relevant quote contained in the piece:

"A source familiar with Beltran’s thinking said the 36-year-old — he’ll turn 37 in April — would be interested in a potential move to the Bronx, where he could step in as the primary right fielder while getting some turns as the designated hitter to keep his body fresh."

Feinsand notes that the Yankees “could” be in the market for an outfielder, but that the club is expected to make free agent Curtis Granderson a qualifying offer (the number this year is $14.1 million).  If Granderson were to accept that offer, writes Feinsand, that could put a crimp in any potential Beltran pursuit.

Thoughts:

Reading about Beltran and the Yankees is cringe worthy.  However, while it’s not at all crazy to think that Beltran would be interested in playing for an American League team in New York, there’s nothing in today’s article that indicates any such move is likely.

Feinsand cites “a source familiar with Beltran’s thinking” as a jumping off point for his Beltran to the Yankees piece.  Again, the possibility shouldn’t be discounted, but it’s not exactly an earth shattering thought.

Beltran himself said earlier this month that he wouldn’t rule out a return to the Mets.  Whether or not Beltran is truly of that mind remains to be seen.  As a pending free agent, he shouldn’t be ruling any team out – either personally or through back channels.  So, his reported interest in the Yankees should be given just as much credence as his reported (from his own lips, not a source) interest in the Mets.

The Mets have a glaring need for offensive minded outfielders, and Beltran’s return to Queens is something most Mets fans would welcome.  Conversely, the thought of Beltran returning to New York as a Yankee is nauseating.

When it comes time for Beltran to start negotiating his next contract, some concrete information about his next destination will likely start to slip out.  Until then, Beltran to “insert team name” is just a game to play to pass the time.

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