This morning, the New York Post's Kevin Kernan reported that the Mets are beginning to receive calls on right fielder Carlos Beltran, confirming previous reports that the team is open to trading their star outfielder. Beltran is currently owed roughly $8.5 million through the end of the season, so teams that lack financial flexibility likely won't have interest unless the Mets show a willingness to eat a significant portion of his contract.
But the 34-year-old is a legitimate impact bat, with a .285/.373/.506 line on the season, and there are few alternatives on the open market that can match his power output. Basically, teams will be interested even with the price tag; here are a few clubs to keep your eyes on.
- Cincinnati Reds: The Reds are set in right, but they could use another bat and Beltran could easily slide over to left field. They've actually gotten solid production from Jonny Gomes and Chris Heisey thus far, so they may not have interest given Beltran's salary, but they have the young players to interest New York, and could easily convince the Mets to take on some salary if they're capable.