Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran showing value in September

Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran has had a rollercoaster type season with the Mets. Sidelined for most of the season battling injuries, Beltran returned in July and is hitting .257 with 7 home runs in 218 at-bats. 

Beltran was hardly anything to write home about in July and August, even leading some writers to question whether or not he will be in New York next season. 

Now, Beltran is hitting .329 with 5 home runs in September, including 5 extra-base hits and 13 runs batted in. One could argue that Beltran's resurgence in September should bring his value back to the All-Star status of old, but September numbers are historically misleading so we shouldn't buy too much into all the hype. 

Bottom line, Beltran will be 34 in April and has not had a full season under his belt since 2008. He may be forced to move to a corner outfield spot, unless he is traded in the final year of his contract. Yes, Beltran will be a free agent after the 2011 season and it is very possible the Mets try to move the 18.5 million dollars remaining on his salary. 

For any deal to happen, the Mets would likely have to assume at least half, if not more of his salary.