MLB rumors: Kansas City Royals a ‘threat’ to sign Carlos Beltran?

Despite being 36-years-old with a long injury history and crumbling knees, Carlos Beltran continues to be a top free agent target.

Given Beltran’s health issues and age, few National League teams are showing interest in the veteran outfielder but a handful of American League teams like the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles have all reportedly engaged in relatively serious talks.

One dark horse team that has reportedly shown interest and is a serious ‘threat’ to sign the former postseason hero are the Kansas City Royals, this according to Jon Heyman:

"Kansas City is believed serious in its intention to bring him back. “They are in on him for sure,” said one person familiar with the discussions.Beltran is said by a source to have requested a four-year deal, though it’s believed he’d probably take the right three-year deal, if offered. The Royals went four years on mid-rotation pitcher Jason Vargas, who had an ailment last year, so it seems conceivable they’d go more than two for Beltran, their former star."

It’s a hefty investment for Beltran (especially considering he will cost a compensatory draft pick), though, his ability to play out the final few years of his contract as a designated hitter should keep him relatively healthy and producing.