The Yankees recently traded Carlos Beltran to the Texas Rangers at the deadline, but the veteran outfielder said he is willing to re-sign with New York in the offseason.
Beltran said he’s willing to re-sign in offseason #Yankees
— Brendan Kuty (@BrendanKutyNJ) August 1, 2016
Beltran, 39, is under contract only for the remainder of the season. Once his contract is off the books, he becomes a free agent again. The last time he had the power to sign the dotted line, he chose the Yankees.
New York moved Beltran to the Rangers for Dillon Tate, a top pitcher in the Rangers system. A move that rival executives long saw coming if the Yankees decided to sell. Beltran is now back in the thick of a playoff race.
The 19-year MLB veteran has hit to a .304 mark this year, including 22 homers and 64 runs batted in. He hit 19 long balls all of last season. But with the Yankees implementing a youth movement, it may be tough for Beltran to find his way back to New York.
Aaron Judge is soon coming off the DL and is a player who is vying for a major role with the club. GM Brian Cashman indicated after the Beltran trade Judge, Gary Sanchez and Tyler Austin could be options to replace the production in the outfield and at DH the rest of the season.
Beltran stated earlier this year he wants to play in 2017 and beyond, and is not the only former Yankee who is willing to re-sign in the offseason. Aroldis Chapman was traded to the Cubs and is fond of the idea in returning to New York.
However, with prospects and the future in mind, the Yankees could hold off on signing ageing veterans in the offseason. It has not been ruled out from the club, but the actions at the deadline speak volumes to where the team is heading.
New York had an interest in him three years ago in free agency and agreed on a deal, but it remains to be seen if this offseason will warrant mutual feelings.
