Carlos Beltran is batting .250 in six games since returning from DL.
In a report for Newsday, David Lennon talks to Beltran, who says he is using this season to ‘find himself,’ and work on his timing at the plate, among other things.
“This is helping a lot,” Lennon quotes Beltran as 
saying. “If I were to go home without coming back, it would have been something very difficult for me.”
Beltran will earn $18.5 million each of the next two seasons, after which he will be a free agent.
…i look at beltran’s deal, and i can’t help but think of his agent, Scott Boras, and Alex Rodriguez, who, at 32 years old, and with three years left on his previous contract, opted out to re-sign a contract extension with the Yankees… beltran cannot opt out, but, i wonder if he and boras will soon approach the Mets about a similar extension, which would cover the remaining two years of his deal, and beyond - especially when you consider beltran’s knees… i mean, now, at 32 years old, would be the perfect time to talk extension, to give himself some assurances going in to the next phase of his career… right now, beltran is technically signed to a two-year, $37 million deal, which is a bargain… and, it’s not like boras to let anyone get away with a bargain, even if they’re technically under contract… if there’s money to be made, he’ll find it…
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“right now, beltran is technically signed to a two-year, $37 million deal, which is a bargain”
Is 2 years at 18.5MM per year for a guy coming off a knee injury really a bargain? I hear you in terms of length and commitment, 2 years to a guy who is 32 years of age seems pretty reasonable, but it’s not like we have him on the roster for 10-12MM per year, where it would clearly be a bargain.
I think it’s actually a fair contract at this point, considering when super healthy he is a 20MM per season player, and he did just miss most of the season when we really needed him to be playing. In a way, it’s a bargain to him.
Old Backstop you stole my thunder…
Considering economic conditions and Beltrans physical condition – $18.7 million a season is far from a bargain.
It was far from a bargain for most of this year and if he can’t play next year, its less of a bargain, these guaranteed contracts have to go, performance based deals need to have more of a place not just for pitchers. where else can you only work for less than 6 months a year and earn $18.5 million?
Matt,
Again, why spend money that we don’t have an obligation to spend? This team seems to be lacking sufficient resources, so why tear up Beltran’s reasonable contract for more money and years.
I know you’re simply saying that in Beltran’s mind this would be a good time to do so, but I say NO.
He’s 32 and already has had surgery on both knees, plus this year’s bone bruise that may still require surgery. Let him play out his remaining two years. At the end, he’ll be a 34 year old centerfielder. His market will be less diminished that it is as a 32 year old. If Beltran is still a top player, then you can resigned him then or collect two draft pick.
I just don’t see the sense in trying up older player beyond they current deals. It’s bad business. It’s negotiating against yourself.
Beltran and other players should just honor their contracts. Beltran didn’t play for 3 months. If he going to give that money back? No! So he has no business expecting the Mets to tack on some extra years just out of good will.
I hate when people argue “Player X deserved better” or “Player Y deserved a better outcome especially given all he’s done for the organization”. It’s a B.S. argument. Players offer a service and the team pays them a salary. It’s a as simple as that. What the player deserved was the salary that they negotiated and were paid. Aging ballplayers don’t deserve anything but a handshake, they were rightly compensated up that point.
I think you are mis-reading his post. When he said ” i mean, now, at 32 years old, would be the perfect time to talk extension,”, he wasn’t referring to his own view, he was saying that currently Boras and Beltran should be thinking that right now is a perfect time to talk extension.
I doubt Matt wants to dole out a contract extension to Beltran right now, especially with the knee issues.
I read that prior to Beltran’s bone bruise, Beltran had asked Bora$ to approach the Mets about a contract extension. Frankly, up until this latest injury, I would have loved it if Beltran had re-signed with the Mets for another 3 years after his existing contract ended in 2011. Now I’m not so sure.
I feel the same way
Yes, he has to prove that he is still healthy and can contribute on an everyday basis.
Also, regarding A-Rod, I believe he had a clause in his 10 year contract that allowed him to opt-out after 6 years if he chose. Beltran’s contract doesn’t contain any such clause (as far as I know).
Wow, that’s a tough one. I guess the real question is “is a 34 yo Beltran better then what MAY be available in two years, and are we willing to pay for that premium?”
On the one hand, if a better CF’er is available, is Beltran willing to move to a corner “a-la Cameron” and is the team willing to spend big bucks getting said player when beltran is getting paid?
On the other hand, if this flops and Beltran can’t rove the field, will this turn into a “Mo Vaugn” situtation?
I would sign him to another extension, w/ options, and a limited no-trade clause in case he turns into a great hit-no field player, in which case we have the option of shipping off to an AL team to DH the rest of his career, or buying him out.
Hummm, won’t happen, we’ll sign him to a 10 year deal @ 19.5 per and have to carry that burden around for 5 of those years.
No way they will extend him this off-season, and frankly Boras wouldn’t be too smart to try that….that smart move (for both sides) is to discuss an extension after next year after he proves his health.
Exactly, once he proves he is healthy, then talk about contract extensions, same goes with any player who has missed time like Reyes, Delgado, and Perez.
I’m sure Brian Schneider would like a 10-million-dollar deal.
Doesn’t mean it has a prayer of happening.
The front office is counting every penny and we’re talking about spending more money on Feliciano and Beltran, two players already under our control?
No way should they extend Beltran now.
For one thing, I have no faith (and the numbers, other than the roid boys like Bonds, support it) that he will still be as productive at 35 as he is now.
That, and who knows if he still has his wheels.
Let him put up a strong, helathy 2010, then consider talking in the off season.
I personally would let the contract run out, and if he is breaking down (or just declingin) you can walk, or if he is still resaonably productive, offer arbitration and either get 1 more year, or some picks. I do not want to see him locked up for big $$ at ages 35, 36 37.
Even better, make sure to have the replacement on hand, ready to step in. Kirk N. could be nicely seasoned by opening day 2012!
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