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Mutual Interest Between Beltran, Yankees Expected In Offseason
Carlos Beltran showed interest in the Yankees during his two previous trips through free agency, but there wasn't enough interest in 2005 or 2011 on the club's side. This year, however, the two sides could be a match as sources tell Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News that there is mutual interest.
Despite getting a "last-ditch discount proposal", the Yankees passed on Beltran following the 2004 season as they opted to stick with Bernie Williams in center field. After the 2011 season, the Bombers were scared off by Beltran's injury history and already had a more reasonable alternative in Nick Swisher thanks to his club-friendly option.
Multiple sources tell Feinsand the Yanks could be in the market for an outfielder this winter as they look to add some pop to a lineup that finished next-to-last in the American League in homers and Beltran would certainly fit the bill.
While left field and center field are likely spoken for with Alfonso Soriano and Brett Gardner, right field projects to be open with question marks about Ichiro Suzuki and Vernon Wells. Curtis Granderson could change that situation if the Yankees decide to retain a familiar option as opposed to looking outside the organization.
Of course, Beltran could require a team to forfeit a draft pick if the Cardinals extend him the $14.1MM qualifying offer. The veteran hit .296/.339/.491 with 24 home runs this season on his way to his eighth All-Star selection.
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