According to SI.com's Jon Heyman, the Rangers have interest in Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran. The Mets have discussed internally the idea of trading expensive players for a package of young talent, but no serious talks are underway as of yet. Both Beltran and third baseman David Wright are expected to hit the trade block after the All-Star break.
Beltran is hitting .278 this season with 10 home runs in 76 games, 12 more appearances than 2010 and just five less than his '09 totals.
Word of the Rangers interest getting out will likely cause more speculation and force Beltran to consider the possibility of waiving his no-trade clause. He is in the last year of his contract making 18.5 million dollars, something the Mets would have to pick up to get more value back from the Rangers. They would have to package one of the MLB-ready arms along with at least two prospects.
The Rangers are expected to be buyers at the trade deadline to maintain their tight lead over the Mariners and Angels.