Should The New York Yankees Pursue Carlos Beltran?

Oct 11, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder

hits the game-winning RBI single against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 13th inning in game one of the National League Championship Series baseball game at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

We take a break from our year in review series to talk about some reports that came out today about possible mutual interest between Carlos Beltran and the New York Yankees. Beltran was almost a Yankee all the way back to 2005 when Beltran signed with the crosstown Mets. Would a possible union make sense.

First of all, signing Beltran would effectively be saying goodbye to Curtis Granderson. With all the holes the Yankees have, spending money on both players wouldn’t totally make sense, when guys like Alex Rodriguez (if he plays) will have to DH and they already have Ichiro Suzuki who is going to make $6 million next season.

The switch-hitting bat in the lineup would be a nice add. He could hit in the two spot between Brett Gardner and Robinson Cano if he is brought back. Beltran has still got a great arm and playing the shorter distance at home in right field could help his legs and keep him healthier. The DH spot will also help that.

The next question would be what kind of contract for him? He turns 37 next April, and even though he got a two year deal from the Cardinals the last time around, would it be crazy for him to ask for three years considering how he’s been playing? Would the Yankees want to sign another older player at a time when they need to get younger and more athletic? On the positive side, you know he’ll be able to handle New York since he’s played in NY before.

If I’m Brian Cashman I’m thinking about adding him. The Cardinals may not keep him since they could start Matt Adams at first, move Allen Craig to right and have uber-prospect Oscar Taveras waiting in the wings. Anything more than two years would be too much, however, adding Beltran could be a nice addition to bringing the Yankees back to the postseason.