MLB rumors: Carlos Beltran tops Kansas City Royals’ wish list
By Bryan Rose
Outfielder Carlos Beltran began his career with the Kansas City Royals and the team is hopeful that’s where he’ll end it as the Royals have reportedly put the aging outfielder atop their free agency wish list.
While multiple teams have spoken to Beltran and his agent, few teams have been willing to meet the demands, which includes a hefty three-year contract, playing time in the outfield and forfeiting a draft pick to the St. Louis Cardinals.
"Whenever and wherever the hard bargaining starts for free-agent outfielder Carlos Beltran, the Royals want a seat at the table. How long they stay there depends on how rich the bidding becomes. “We’d love to have him in,” one Royals official said. “One thing about Carlos Beltran is he’s a money player. He’s an RBI guy. He produces.” Club officials say they hope to meet in the near future with Beltran, who previously indicated a willingness to return to the Royals."
The Royals say they’ll have the money to bring in Beltran assuming the bidding doesn’t go overly high, though with teams like the New York Yankees showing interest, it’s hard to imagine Kansas City matching them on dollars.
Regardless, it would be a solid move for Kansas City, despite being forced to cough up a draft pick if the two sides could agree on a deal.