We learned on Tuesday that Carlos Beltran is believed to have a three-year, $48 million contract offer in hand. It’s safe to assume that the Red Sox are not the ones who extended that offer.
According to WEEI.com’s Alex Speier, the Red Sox have been engaged in talks with Beltran, but are unlikely to pursue a three-year deal for the veteran outfielder. Beltran is believed to be seeking a three-year pact, and ESPN’s Buster Olney reported Tuesday that there’s a belief among teams that the eight-time All-Star will sign with the Royals on such a deal.
Beltran, who turns 37 in April, is coming off back-to-back All-Star campaigns with the Cardinals. He hit .296 with 24 homers and 84 RBIs this past season, a year after he slugged 32 homers and drove in 97 runs. Beltran will undoubtedly boost whichever lineup he joins, but three years (and apparently $48 million) is a big commitment for an aging veteran.
The Red Sox have another hole to fill now that Jacoby Ellsbury is reportedly joining the Yankees, and Beltran, while not an ideal fit, would give Boston some roster flexibility at a corner outfield spot. But — for now, at least — the price tag seems a bit high.
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