The MLB Trading Deadline is rapidly approaching at July 31st and the biggest prize to emerge is RF Carlos Beltran of the NY Mets. The switch-hitting slugger has silenced many critics this year by returning to All-Star form after losing most of 2010 to offseason knee surgery. Beltran leads the Mets in HRs and RBIs and perhaps most surprisingly in 2nd on the team in games played this year answering questions about the durability of his knee.
Beltran is in the final year of the massive 7-year deal he signed with the Mets prior to the 2005 season. Despite his resurgence there is absolutely no chance the Mets will look to sign him after the season as they try to hold on to MVP-candidate Jose Reyes who is also in the final year of his deal. With no other hitters of his caliber readily available in the trade market it appears as though Beltran with fetch the highest price on the trading block, especially as it appears the Mets are willing to eat most if not all of his remaining contract for this year.
There is wild speculation on Beltran as many teams appear in need of another middle-of-the-order bat. The most prominent teams to surface have been the Phillies, Brave, Red Sox and SF Giants. The Mets are looking for a top-prospect for Beltran and it is becoming ever more likely that they will get it as GM Sandy Alderson will look to set up a bidding war for Beltran's services. Carlos has stated that he would prefer to stay in the NL but has also admitted that he will not veto any possible trades.
The Mets have played above expectations this year when you consider the time missed by stars David Wright, Ike Davis and Johan Santana but have most failed to get much about the .500 mark. Considering they play in a division with the Phillies and Braves who hold commanding leads in the Division and Wild Card races it is highly unlikely that the Mets will be able to contend as the year progress which would precipitate a Beltran trade all the more.
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