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The Yankees have already expressed interest in Carlos Beltran, but it appears they will have competition if they want to sign him. The Rangers have been doing a lot of background work on Beltran and appear to be one of the most serious suitors. There has also been mutual interest between him and the Red Sox, while the Orioles and Royals also want to sign the 37-year-old outfielder.
The Phillies have already signed Marlon Byrd to a two-year, $16 million deal, which can only push Beltran's final contract to at least a three-year deal worth more money. One GM suggested three-years at $42 million, though Beltran himself has said he is looking for a four-year deal. That would be an AAV of $14 million over the course of the contract, which would be a little less than the $14.1 million qualifying offer they extended to Curtis Granderson.
With a large market for him and a draft pick tied to his signing, the Yankees might be better off staying away from Carlos Beltran unless they decide to go all out this winter.
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