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The Houston Astros have been the biggest mover and shaker this offseason thus far. But that won’t stop the team from making another move states former Houston Chronicle beat writer Evan Drellich — he reports that Houston sources say the team is still open to signing outfielder/designated hitter Carlos Beltran.
Source says the Astros’ pursuit of Carlos Beltran is "not really" affected by Brian McCann, Josh Reddick moves. https://t.co/MaKclz2s9E
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) November 18, 2016
Beltran, 39, batted .295 (163x552) with 29 home runs, 93 RBIs, 122 OPS+, and a 124 wRC+ in 151 games. Beltran proved to still be a productive player at nearly 40 years old with the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers.
But it will be tough for the Astros win a bidding war with the Yankees and Boston Red Sox in the race for Beltran’s services.
A return to Houston would be an interesting move, to say the least. Beltran found fame with the Astros with a historic 2004 playoff run in which he batted .435 (20x46) with eight home runs and 14 RBIs. But Beltran picked the New York Mets’ seven years, $119 million (2005-2011) contract. Houston fans since have booed him mercilessly at every turn.
The Astros could have used Beltran last year or least could have enjoyed not facing him — Beltran batted .316 (18x57) with two home runs and 11 RBIs in 15 games.