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MLB Free Agency 2017: 5 potential teams for Carlos Beltran

By Brad Berreman

Sep 14, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter Carlos Beltran (36) hits an RBI double during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter Carlos Beltran (36) hits an RBI double during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Boston Red Sox

David Ortiz has now officially retired, so the Red Sox are looking to fill their full-time DH spot for the first time in seemingly forever. That leaves aside how well Ortiz produced in his final season, as he hit .315 with 38 home runs, 127 RBI, 48 doubles and a 1.021 OPS, and the void he leaves behind in the middle of Boston’s lineup.

Being able to DH most of the time, if not all the time, would be a great thing for Beltran. Mookie Betts may also need an occasional breather in right field, so Beltran can help some there without a lot of drop-off offensively.

Next: MLB free agency 2017: 5 potential landing spots for Mark Trumbo

The Red Sox don’t seem likely to break the bank to get Ortiz’s replacement, if team president Dave Dombrowski is to be believed. If they aren’t willing to make an exception and go after Encarnacion with a lucrative long-term offer, Beltran is a perfect consolation prize for the Red Sox. Quite frankly, he looks like a better fit too.

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