Fresh off this weekend’s signing of top catching free agent Brian McCann, the New York Yankees have shifted to Phase 2 of their master plan to win the American League East.
While the Mets prefer to wait the market out (or not), Brian Cashman came out of the GM Meetings with the express goal of doing the exact opposite – choosing instead to set the market rather than wait for it.
According to sources, the Yankees have determined that former Mets All Star Carlos Beltran is their No. 1 target while they wait to reignite talks with Robinson Cano, reports Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News.
“The Yankees prefer the eight-time All-Star to fellow free-agent outfielders Shin-Soo Choo, Nelson Cruz and Jacoby Ellsbury, the source said, believing he’s the perfect fit to bolster their lineup. Likewise, Beltran has let it be known to those around him that the Yankees are his top choice.”
It looks like it’s gearing up to be one of those mutual matchups where both parties are interested and striving to work things out.
Beltran is reportedly looking for a three-year deal, but I say he’ll take two if that’s what the Yankees offer. The 36-year old future Hall of Famer loves New York, and if not the Mets, the Yankees will do just as well for him. Plus there’s always the added bonus of a likely trip to the post season.
