Yankees among 4 teams talking to Carlos Beltran

The Yankees are among four teams talking to free-agent Carlos Beltran, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. Rob Bradford of WEEI reports that the Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays and Astros appear to be the only teams vying for the 39-year-old. The Rangers, who acquired Beltran from the Yankees at the trade deadline, are not currently in the mix. The appeal of a Beltran reunion is obvious. If the Yankees are able to trade Brian McCann, they'll need to find a DH, and Beltran is a perfect fit. He loved fulfilling his lifelong dream of being a Yankee and literally carried the offense through the first half of the season, hitting .304 with 22 home runs. He wasn't as productive in Texas, but there's little reason to believe he doesn't have one more good season in him. With - at least - Aaron Judge and Aaron Hicks battling it out for playing time in right field, Beltran probably wouldn't even have to bring a glove to spring training. He'd be the team's everyday DH, and certainly wouldn't have any problems sitting to give a guy like Greg Bird or Gary Sanchez the proverbial "half-day off". The Yankees and the rest of Beltran's potential suitors are likely waiting to enter serious negotiations until after a new collective bargaining agreement is met, which will alter the luxury tax threshold. That being said, there must be mutual interest between Beltran and the Yankees, so stay tuned.