Carlos Beltran Trade Rumor Updates
By Editorial Staff
Carlos Beltran has taken up most of this July’s rumor mill news and with 5 days remaining until the 31st deadline, reports continue to flow in regarding the outfielder.
Jon Paul Morosi tweeted this afternoon that all things Beltran will be intensifying over the next 48 hours. I think we could all give that one a big ‘duh’ in unison, as we are nearing the end of this summer frenzy.
The usual suspects are still in on Beltran, but the Phillies apparently were cooling on the slugger while it was reported that the Giants and Rangers are making strong pushes. Atlanta is still interested in Beltran, and the Red Sox have also found their way into the rumor action.
Buster Olney tweeted earlier today that there’s no real frontrunner in the race for Beltran, and Joel Sherman was also active on Twitter, noting that the price Mets’ asking price for Beltran has dropped from a few weeks ago.
A big reason for this drop could have to do with the fact that teams have been shooting down New York’s requests of top prospects in return for Beltran.
Jayson Stark wrote that the Braves will not include minor league pitchers Mike Minor, Julio Teheran or Arodys Vizcaino in a deal for Beltran. Phillies’ players Domonic Brown and Jarred Cosart are also off limits as are Giants’ top prospects Zach Wheeler and Gary Brown.
All along New York has made it known that the deal is not about the money involved. The Mets are willing to eat the $6 million remaining on Beltran’s contract if that means receiving better players in return.
But it hasn’t been that easy for the Mets, even as Beltran is the best available bat on the market. Stark heard from a source that there are more issues that prospective buyers are taking into consideration.
"“Here’s their problem,” said an official of one team. “They’ve got a guy who’s just a rental. You can’t sign him [because he’s a Scott Boras client]. And even if they eat the money [about $6 million left this year], you get no draft picks if you lose him. So what do they expect?”"
Even so, the Mets are holding out for a top player in return for their large trade chip, hoping that a contender ups the ante to bring in the slugger.
Mets’ GM Sandy Alderson has said from day 1 that they know what they have in Beltran, and while he’s available he won’t come cheap. As the deadline approaches, it is yet to be determined if his beliefs hold true or if he’s forced to reduce his expectations.
For more on the Mets, be sure to check out Rising Apple.