The offseason for the New York Yankees is simply just beginning. As the team awaits a decision from second baseman Robinson Cano, they are busy building to roster elsewhere with other big names. After signing former Atlanta Braves catcher Brian McCann, the team is continuing their business, in pursuit of Carlos Beltran.
The Yankees are playing the waiting game on numerous players, so in the meantime they intend to move quickly on free agent outfielder, Beltran, who appears likely to leave the St. Louis Cardinals. New York had been considering players like Shin-Soo Choo and Jacoby Ellsbury, but according to the New York Daily News, the team prefers the eight-time All-Star instead.
Apparently the feelings are mutual. Beltran has let his camp know the Yankees are his first choice of teams in free agency. New York has pursued the outfielder in the past, but negotiations never worked out. Beltran is seeking a three-year deal from teams. The Yankees are only offering a two-year deal for the 36-year old which could be the potential road block.
The Yankees intend on staying under the $189 million luxury tax threshold so they must be smart with their signings considering Cano is still out there. The first piece to the puzzle was the McCann signing. The catcher signed a five-year, $85 million deal as the Yankees also gave up a draft pick. Now they will wait to see what Hiroki Kuroda intends to do with his future along with pitcher Masahiro Tanaka.
Beltran has spent most of his career in the National League, meaning he would have to make adjustments in order to be successful with the Yankees. One person sold on the outfield is former Yankee Bernie Williams. The New York great told the New York Post that he was confident Beltran could make the adjustments into the American League considering his experience.
"There was even some talk about him becoming a Yankee, even before this opportunity came," Williams said. "That was around the time he ended up signing with the Mets. I think he definitely has experience in both leagues and he definitely would be able to make the adjustments to wherever he played."
By the end of the week, the Yankees could have at least four offers out on the table meaning the tax issue could become a problem. Cano still intends to sign the largest contract in baseball history. The Yankees are not giving up on him. Adding Beltran into the picture and the dollar signs will only increase.
