SI.com’s Jon Heyman reports via Twitter that the Rangers are interested in Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran and could make a move for him soon after the All Star break. Rotoworld writes,
Serious trade talks probably won’t get underway until after the All-Star break and plenty of other teams will be in the running to snag Beltran, who has maintained his health this season while batting .278/.372/.480 with 10 home runs and 49 RBI in 76 games.
Beltran’s $18.5MM salary and full no-trade clause, as well as the Mets’ status as wild card contenders, could be obstacles in a trade writes WFAN.
Beltran and the Rangers seem like an odd couple for a trade, especially since they are seemingly set at the outfield corners with Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz. But the Rangers still see Beltran as a viable center fielder and intend to give him plenty of time as a DH.
It’s gonna be tough to see Beltran go, but I also don’t think he gets moved if the Mets keep hanging around a Wild Card berth.
The Mets are 4.5 games back in the Wild Card standings with just six teams now in front of them. But not too long ago, there were eleven teams ahead of them so they’ve really made some significant gains since June 1st.
