A Reunion with Carlos Beltran Might Make Sense for Yankees

Carlos Beltran could provide the New York Yankees with a veteran power bat for 2017 at a fraction of what other premier free agent sluggers will cost.

Former New York Yankees designated hitter Carlos Beltran recently confirmed to TR Sullivan of MLB.com that he has no plans to retire and expects to play his 20th season in the major leagues next season at age 40.

Although his defense and baserunning have declined considerably, Beltran showed no signs of slowing down at the plate this year, hitting .295/.337/.513 (122 OPS+) with 29 home runs and 93 RBI in 593 plate appearances combined between New York and Texas.

Amazingly, Beltran finished as the Yankees 2016 leader in home runs, even after being traded at the August 1st trade deadline. That is a testament to both how good Beltran was in pinstripes during the first half and how anemic the rest of the lineup was this year.

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With the Yankees depending on a number of unproven youngsters to carry the 2017 lineup, bringing back Beltran to provide some certainty behind Gary Sanchez in the three spot makes some sense.

The advantage of signing Beltran over someone like Edwin Encarnacion or Yoenis Cespedes to fill that role is he will likely only require a one-year commitment, ensuring that he won’t block any of New York’s top prospects long term.

The move would give manager Joe Girardi excellent bench depth and versatility, because it would push Brian McCann into a backup catcher/first base/DH role and allow them to use Tyler Austin as a super-sub, seeing time at the outfield corners, first, third, and DH. Having those two big bats to pinch hit and give their starters regular rest would be a huge advantage.

Before you comment or tweet that the Yankees need to give their kids a chance next year, ask yourself who Beltran on a one year deal would really be blocking. Primarily McCann it seems to me, possibly Austin, although it seems unlikely Girardi would make him the every day DH anyway.

If a top talent like Clint Frazier or Aaron Judge shows they are deserving of an everyday job, the team won’t let 40-year-old Beltran stand in their way. If he’s awful, as many 40-year-old sluggers are, they can cut him loose without thinking twice on a one year $12-15 million guarantee.

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Of course, after Beltran’s strong season, the Yankees might face some stiff competition for his services. Connor Byrne of MLB Trade Rumors named the Red Sox, Blue Jays, Astros, Indians, and Rangers who might pursue him this offseason.