New Beltran Trade Wrinkle

If the SI.com article referenced is correct and the Mets are only looking for a single prospect, this may be do-able. I think B.J. Upton would have a more dynamic impact, he seems like a consummate NL player, but the Rays would look for the top-tier arms in the organization, without question.

New Beltran Trade Wrinkle

From Adam Rubin of ESPN New York comes word that the Mets are willing to cover the roughly $6 million left on Carlos Beltran‘s contract to facilitate a potential trade.

“From what I gather, they are asking a lot for him because they are willing to pick up all of his salary,” the source told ESPNNewYork.com.

Jon Heyman of SI.com reported similar information earlier today, writing that the Mets “are willing to eat all or most” of Beltran’s remaining salary if they can get a top prospect in return.

The prospects are the major consideration, of course, but this is also an indication that Mets are attempting to expand the field of potential suitors to as many teams as possible. Beltran may not approve a trade to the Pirates or Indians, for instance, but the fact that they are involved in the talks could raise the stakes for teams like the Giants and Red Sox.

According to Heyman, Beltran would approve deals to the Giants, Tigers, Rangers, Red Sox, Phillies and Yankees among clubs that have expressed interest.