With every passing day the MLB trade deadline draws nearer, giving us a clearer view of where the Mets' Carlos Beltran may eventually end up.
According to ESPN's Buster Olney the list of serious suitors for Carlos Beltran is down to five teams; the Red Sox, Giants, Phillies, Braves and Rangers. All of these teams either are leading their respective divisions or are very close it to it, while the Indians and Pirates have been all but weeded out according to Olney. The Giants were considered the leaders of the pack a very days ago, but now have seemingly the same possible chance as any of the other four teams in the running for the NL leader in extra base hits.
All these teams have the cash to drop, but the Rangers and Red Sox might have a harder sell to make to the Mets due to the fact that Beltran reportedly wants to stay in the National League. The Giants are in the most desperate need of acquiring Beltran's offense in my opinion as the Phils and Braves have more productive hitters on their rosters already with the likes of Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard, Raul Ibanez and Shane Victorino for Philly and Brian McCann, Jason Heyward, and Freddie Freeman for Atlanta. Aside from Pablo Sandoval, most of the Giants have been very hit or miss (literally) offensively.
How do the Mets proceed in all of this? Well, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal New York will likely have multiple offers lined up and at the ready as the deadline approaches, leaving their options open. If Beltran decides to veto an incoming deal, the Mets would already have another one ready to go and so on, making sure to keep both the Mets and Beltran in a place where they feel comfortable enough to make a trade that helps both the player and his soon to be former organization.
For up to date news and analysis of the Giants trade deadline rumors and news, stay with us at SB Nation Bay Area for complete coverage. For more on the Giants head to McCovey Chronicles.