Carlos Beltran to the Rangers as Yankees continue to sell
The refashioning of the new-look, new-direction New York Yankees resumed near Monday’s trade deadline when they agreed to deal veteran switch-hitter Carlos Beltran to the Texas Rangers for right-hander Dillon Tate, the fourth pick in the 2015 draft, RHP Eric Swanson and RHP Nick Green.
Over a week, and while still on the periphery of the AL East and AL wild card races, the Yankees traded Aroldis Chapman, Andrew Miller and Beltran. As a result, they probably sold off the season, but also built their farm system into reputedly one of the best in the game. The Yankees don’t often go for such vagaries, but they also haven’t won the division since 2012 and their future requires some tending.
The dismantling of their vaunted bullpen, plus their Monday trade of their best hitter, was however a boon to division leaders all over baseball. Chapman went to the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central. Miller to the surprise Cleveland Indians in the AL Central. Beltran, who batted .304 with 22 home runs for the Yankees, is expected to become the AL West-leading Rangers’ regular designated hitter.
Beltran, 39, in effect replaces Prince Fielder, whose disappointing season ended in mid-July because of neck surgery. The Rangers have received a league-low 10 home runs from their DHs, primarily Fielder, along with an unproductive .654 OPS.
The Rangers are Beltran’s seventh team. He has 414 home runs and 1,507 RBI in his career, and he remains capable in right field over short periods.
