Matt Cerrone of MetsBlog believes that there is enough of a framework based on circulating rumors, that the Mets and Red Sox should and could connect on a potential deal.
Last week, Alex Speier, who covers the Red Sox for WEEI Sports, said the Mets would “certainly entertain” offers for Carlos Beltran.
Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald also mentioned that he expects the Red Sox to look at Beltran, as well as Dodgers OF Matt Kemp and Rays OF B.J. Upton, in addition to exploring the free agent market for an outfielder.
According to Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com, American League teams in search of an OF-DH, like the Rangers and White Sox, could also have interest in Beltran.
However, he adds, “To trade Beltran, the Mets would need to assume a significant portion of his $18.5 million salary for 2011.”
Similarly, as the Red Sox shop Jonathan Papelbon, Jon Heyman of SI.com says they will need to pay a portion of his expected arbitration money in order to deal him, which might be why his market is very weak right now.
According to Sean McAdam of CSNNE, Papelbon will be seeking $11.5 million in arbitration, for what will be his final year under contract before becoming a free agent.
Last week, while on WFAN, Heyman said, though the Red Sox like Beltran, he does not believe they will be interested in swapping him for Papelbon.
I agree that there are a lot of common bonds that could make both teams a fairly good match.
I’d suggest looking at a deal that could involve swapping closers Francisco Rodriguez and Jon Papelbon. Both could use a change of scenery and both are still elite closers. The Mets would gladly throw in the $3 million they saved on Rodriguez 2010 salary into the deal to even the dollar amounts.
As for Carlos Beltran, it will take more than just kicking in a huge part of what he’s owed for the Mets to deal him. The complications make it unlikely he’ll be dealt in my opinion.
