38-year outfielder Carlos Beltran is entering the last year of a three-year, $45 million pact with the New York Yankees. The final year of his contract may be his last as an active player. If not, he'll likely play just one more year.
“I don’t think there is any big decision I have to make — other than to play one more year or go home,” he said, via the New York Post. “In my case, I am very happy with my career. … If I feel like I produce well to the point where I can make a good impact on a team, then I can play one more year. Or if I feel like I have [had] enough, I’ll go home.”
Beltran struggled mightily in 2014, but bounced back in 2015 -- posting a .267/.337/.471 slash line in 531 plate appearances. He was originally slated to spend most of his time as New York's designated hitter last season, but was pushed out into the outfield with the returns of Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez.
A legitimate candidate for Hall of Fame inclusion, Beltran is a .280 career hitter in 18 MLB seasons with 392 home runs, 2,454 hits and 311 stolen bases to his credit. Barring anything unforeseen, he will hit the 400-homer and 2,500-hit plateaus in 2016.
The biggest part of Beltran's potential Hall-of-Fame resume may be his work in the postseason. He's posted a career .332/.441/.674 slash with 16 home runs and 40 RBI in 223 playoff plate appearances.
Back to the New York Yankees Newsfeed