The Yankees aren’t messing around.
According to Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News, the Yankees have set Carlos Beltran as their No. 1 target while they wait to reignite talks with Robinson Cano. New York, of course, inked top free-agent catcher Brian McCann to a five-year, $85 million contract over the weekend.
The Yankees reportedly are waiting to see if pitcher Hiroki Kuroda wants to return next season, and they’re also monitoring the situation involving the Japanese posting system, as Masahiro Tanaka figures to be another pitching target. But the Yankees apparently would like to keep adding offense, and they reportedly prefer Beltran to fellow free-agent outfielders Shin-Shoo Choo, Jacoby Ellsbury and Nelson Cruz. Beltran is reportedly seen as the perfect fit to bolster New York’s lineup.
Feinsand notes that the Yankees planned on “moving fast” to land both McCann and Beltran after this month’s GM meetings in Orlando, Fla. They’re halfway toward accomplishing their goal, but Beltran is reportedly looking for a three-year deal, whereas the Yankees are only looking to sign the 36-year-old to a two-year pact.
Beltran is coming off a season in which he hit .296 with 24 home runs and 84 RBIs, and he clobbered 32 homers and drove in 97 runs in 2012. He earned All-Star selections in both of his seasons in St. Louis, and is considered one of the best postseason hitters of all time despite never winning a World Series.
Beltran has reportedly let it be known that the Yankees are his top choice, although the Red Sox, Rangers, Mariners and Royals have reportedly expressed interest in the veteran outfielder as well.
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