Designated hitter/right fielder Carlos Beltran said Tuesday that he plans to come back in 2017 for his age-40 season, according to TR Sullivan of MLB.com (Twitter link). Whether the impending free agent will return to the Rangers is up in the air, but he hopes to re-sign with the club.
Beltran spent the majority of 2016 with the Yankees, whom he signed with prior to the 2014 campaign, before they dealt him to Texas at the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline. After beginning the year an outstanding .304/.344/.546 with 22 home runs in 387 plate appearances with the Yankees, Beltran cooled off significantly as a member of the Rangers. In 206 post-deadline PAs, he batted .280/.325/.451 with seven homers. Still, as he has typically done throughout what might be a Hall of Fame career, Beltran posted an easily above-average .295/.337/.513 line in 593 trips to the plate. As a result, he could pique hitter-needy teams’ interest in free agency.
Given his age and defensive limitations, Beltran surely won’t do as well as the three-year, $45MM deal he inked last time he hit the open market. It also won’t help Beltran’s earning power that a return to the DH-less National League, where he previously played with the Mets, Giants and Cardinals, is likely out of the question. Beltran’s coming off a season in which he worked more as a DH (73 games) than as an outfielder (67) for the second time since 2014. Beltran’s recent subpar work in the grass justifies his bat-first role, as Ultimate Zone Rating and Defensive Runs Saved have graded him as a minus outfielder over the past several seasons.
It’s merely speculation, but contenders like the Indians, Red Sox, Blue Jays and Astros are among those that could pursue Beltran during the offseason if he doesn’t re-sign with the Rangers. Along with Houston, one of his ex-employers, both Boston and Cleveland went after Beltran at the deadline. The Red Sox are set to enter the post-David Ortiz era at DH, while the Jays are in danger of losing both Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista in free agency. The same is true for the Indians and Mike Napoli. The Astros have a DH option on hand in Evan Gattis, though he could become their everyday catcher if fellow backstop Jason Castro signs elsewhere.
The Boston Redsox should go after Matt Holiday.
Wtf would we do that for
Holiday in Boston, Toronto, Baltimore or Texas could still put up 25+ hrs. But he’ll be a 85% dh.
Holliday is a line drive hitter he wouldn’t hit 20 in Boston. Would hit long singles off the wall. Toronto he might hit 20 since everyone that goes there seems to crush the ball after they get the hmmmm. Texas maybe 20 as well. Baltimore would be best fit with that small ball park could hit 30.
Holliday is a line drive hitter, but it’s not deep line drives, it’s spraying singles and doubles to gaps.
Just like his last home run as a Cardinal Holiday has plenty of pop the opposite way. I think the estimation of only 20 in Toronto is sighting him a bit.
holiday hits more hr’s to the opposite field or center. he doesn’t pull many.
Us Sox are prioritizing Encarnacion if we are replacing Papi because he’s arguably got the most power in the league and he’s still in his prime
He is 33 soon to be 34 pretty sure it not his prime years anymore and the fans might be prioritizing EE but there us been no indication who papi’s replacement is they can’t until after the World Series hence why papi himself got in trouble for saying EE should replace him right at the all star break.
Thoughts on a Beltran return to NYY? I know his comments after his trade made it seem like he was happy to be away but if I remember correctly his dream has always been to play for and wanted to sign with them a number of times before. Maybe he’d consider a return on a one, maybe two, year deal. Teamed with Sanchez they could be a formidable 1-2 power combo.
I think Beltran likes the chemistry in Texas better. They are a perennial contender now and are supportive. It sure worked well for Gomez in Arlington.
I don’t know if they’re a perennial contender. They overachieved this year, and I think it’s safe to assume Seattle and Houston will be better next year. I think next year will be their last chance at contending before they’re forced to start rebuilding
I don’t think after next year the Rangers will have to start “rebuilding,” I would think a better way to say it would be “retooling!” The Rangers already have around 1/3 of there starters going into next year under the age of 25, plus, John Daniels is always game for a good trade. He just said the other day that he wants to go into this offseason looking for controllable pitching, so if u pay any attention to the Rangers then u have to take him seriously. Yes, Yu Darvish will almost assuredly be gone after next year but as long as there’s any talent in the Rangers Milb system (and very few teams are as aggressive on the international market at signing players as the Rangers) then John Daniels is going to use that talent to better the big league club in one way or another!!
What about a votto trade w Boston?
That would be a great place for Votto his numbers would be insane.
God, he’s approaching his age-40 season? Holy crap.
I’d love for him to become an Astro again.
White Sox needs to trade or nontender Avi Garcia and sign Beltran for 2 year deal. Even at 40 and now a defensive liability, he’s still an improvement over Avi.
I think he should sign a one year deal with KC.
This seems like the most likely scenario, especially if they do not re sign Morales.
Beltran wants 1 thing and that’s a ring he signs with an AL contender for 1 year then calls it a career. Hope he gets a ring to he deserves it!!
Yanks would not have even sniffed the wildcard spot if it was not for Beltran. His bat carried the yanks to the position and the sweep from Tampa bay was the real nail in the coffin.
I like Carlos and am glad to see him returning. I just hope the bottom doesn’t fall out and he ends up like Johnny Damon, chasing 3,000 hits like an old man chasing his hat down the street.
Would love to see him as a veteran presence in Oakland’s RF to mentor the youth movement and be a placeholder for Olson or any OF farm option breaks out next year. Not sure if he specifically wants to go to sure-fire contender as a role player or not though.
I would love Beltran back here in Texas as out DH, but I think the Rangers will give Hamilton one more shot. If he gets hurt early, which is highly likely, they might go elsewhere.