Cardinals Sign Outfielder Carlos Beltran
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Christian Petersen/Getty Images(ST. LOUIS) — After losing first baseman Albert Pujols through free agency, the St. Louis Cardinals needed another big bat in their lineup. They hope they’ve found their man, as the team has signed outfielder Carlos Beltran to a two-year deal pending a physical. The deal, according to ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick, is worth $26 million and also included a no-trade clause. The team is expected to formally announce the signing after the holidays.
“Beltran is a proven outfielder who obviously has been a tough opponent against the Cardinals for many years,” Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said in statement.”It is going to be nice to have his bat and competitive nature working for us instead of on the other side of the field for the next couple years.”
Last season, the 34-year old Beltran split time with the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants, where he batted .300, hit 22 home runs, and drove in 84 RBIs. Beltran will likely start the season as the team’s opening day right fielder while Lance Berkman is expected to move over to first base.
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