Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Carlos Beltran is the most talked-about player currently on the MLB trade market.

Not surprisingly, there are many teams who are chasing after Beltran with hopes to bring him aboard their rosters.

He does have a no-trade clause in his contract, which he will likely be willing to waive in order to play for a playoff-contending team.

As a result, Beltran will have a say in what city he ends up playing in.

In this slideshow, I will look at the five teams that seem most likely to acquire Beltran from the New York Mets and analyze their chances of landing him on their roster.

San Francisco Giants

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

The amount of production from the Giants’ outfielders is less than impressive, which is why they should be interested in trading for Carlos Beltran.

The Mets have been clear in their wanting offers involving top prospects in order to give up Beltran.

The Giants happen to have a few impressive prospects in their minor league system, namely Francisco Peguero and Zach Wheeler.

Peguero is an outfielder with a lot of potential; he has an overall minor league batting average of .310. Wheeler is an impressive young pitcher with a 7-5 record and a 3.99 ERA.

In my opinion, the Giants are not as likely to trade for Beltran as the other teams on this list. Other prospects may be more valuable to the Mets, and the Giants’ willingness to trade away multiple prospects may be low.

Boston Red Sox

J. Meric/Getty Images

While the Red Sox have easily one of the most formidable batting lineups in baseball, the production from their outfield has been limited.

If they are interested in perfecting their offense, they might as well try to trade for Carlos Beltran.

According to Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com, Beltran is not in favor of playing for an American League team and unwilling to be a DH.

However, he is probably willing to play in the outfield for the Red Sox because he would be likely to participate with them in the postseason.

The Red Sox are not likely to be making a big trade such as this, though.

The main player the Mets should be looking at is Josh Reddick, Boston’s young star outfielder. Because the Red Sox will likely hold on to Reddick, I do not foresee Beltran heading to Boston.

Texas Rangers

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The Rangers, like the Red Sox, have a disadvantage in this trade because of their place in the AL.

But also like the Red Sox, they are main playoff contenders, so Beltran may want to play for them.

Texas is interested in improving their outfield, and Beltran would be a great upgrade for them.

The Mets may be interested in prospects from the Rangers, especially Jurickson Profar. Profar is a top prospect for the Rangers and is hitting .289 this season.

If the Rangers are willing to trade him away, they may be able to strike up a deal with New York for Beltran.

However, I am still leaning toward the two remaining teams who have the most to offer as the most likely clubs to receive Beltran.

Philadelphia Phillies

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

The Phillies have expressed interest in trading for Carlos Beltran as well.

While their pitching is holding them in first place, their struggling offense is a worry for them, especially in the outfield.

If the Phillies were to acquire Beltran, they would be nearly guaranteed a spot in the playoffs.

Plus, Philly happens to have a few great young players that would interest the Mets.

The most prominent name is Vance Worley, their star rookie pitcher. However, he has a great amount of potential, and the Phillies will likely keep him for their own.

A top prospect in the Phillies’ minor league system is Jarred Cosart, another great young pitcher. Like Worley though, the Phillies will probably be reluctant to trade Cosart away.

The Phillies’ chance to obtain Beltran may be thwarted by their need to hold on to young talent, as well as their interest in closer Heath Bell.

Atlanta Braves

Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

The Braves are the most likely team on this list to end up with Carlos Beltran, in my opinion.

Not only do they have the most need for his offense; they also have the most to offer.

The Braves’ outfielders have greatly struggled to produce offensively and so far have not received positive results. They are very much in need of a consistent-hitting outfielder.

The Mets should be very interested in what the Braves can offer for Beltran as well.

If they are willing, the Braves could propose a trade through any of star pitching prospects Mike Minor, Randall Delgado and Arodys Vizcaino.

Also, the Braves are likely to end up in the playoffs, which Beltran should appreciate.

For these reasons, I think the Braves are the most likely team to end up with Carlos Beltran. If this trade does occur, Atlanta’s chances of a playoff run should be greatly improved.

Begin Slideshow

Keep Reading

Source