WFAN and SI.com’s Jon Heyman reports that the Texas Rangers are “interested” in Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran and Francisco Rodriguez.
Beltran and the Rangers are not an obvious match, since Texas is set at the outfield corners with Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz. Of course, there are ways to make it work, as Hamilton and Beltran are capable of playing center field. Plus, Hamilton and Cruz are not locks to avoid the DL from here on out.
Serious trade talks probably won’t get underway until after the All-Star break and plenty of other teams will be in the running to snag the 34-year-old Beltran, who has maintained his health this season while batting .278/.372/.480 with 10 home runs and 49 RBI in what is likely to become his healthiest season since ’08. Beltran’s $18.5MM salary and full no-trade clause, as well as the Mets’ status as wild card contenders, could be obstacles in a trade.
The Rangers will also be looking to upgrade their bullpen and could have interest in K-Rod as well.
