MLB News: Carlos Beltran To Retire After The 2016 Season?


After what will be his 19th season, veteran outfielder Carlos Beltran is hinting at retirement following the 2016 campaign, according to Zach Braziller of the New York Post.

Beltran, 38, is entering the final year of the original three-year, $45 million deal he signed with the New York Yankees prior to the 2014 season. In his two seasons as a Yankee, Beltran’s play has been a mixed bag — featuring big hits, mammoth slumps, and a myriad of injuries. But continuing his career after 2016 hinges on his performance this upcoming summer.

“I don’t think there is any big decision I have to make — other than to play one more year or go home. 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.”

Through the first month of the 2015 season, Beltran’s days as an active player on a Major League roster appeared numbered. In April, the Puerto Rican-born switch-hitter hit a measly.162 with zero HR, per SB Nation’s Pinstripe Alley.

But from May through the end of the regular season, Beltran was arguably the Yankees’ most consistent hitter. As the Yankees snuck into the playoffs, Beltran finished the regular season a.276 hitter with 19 HR and 67 RBI through 133 games. Beltran’s season also featured a stint on the 15-day disabled list due to a left oblique strain, per the New York Post.

Beltran could be riding off into the sunset following the 2016 campaign. [Image by Al Bello/Getty Images]
Beltran could be riding off into the sunset following the 2016 campaign with the New York Yankees. [Image by Al Bello/Getty Images]
While the Yankees will expect Beltran to be an effective player in 2016, he does come with some limitations. Aside from his detailed injury history, Beltran’s once Gold Glove caliber defense is a thing of the past. Beltran registered a poor -6.3 UZR/150 and -14 Defense Runs Saved last season, according to FanGraphs.

Barring injury, Beltran will be the Yankees’ right fielder in 2016, but the team will look to give Beltran as many at-bats as designated hitter as possible. A potential injury to Alex Rodriguez could also free up the position for Beltran.

Heading into 2016, Beltran says he is also looking forward to mentoring the Yankees’ newest acquisition. As previously reported by the Inquisitr, the Yankees acquired infielder Starlin Castro from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Adam Warren and Brendan Ryan. Castro is a lifetime.281 hitter with three All-Star game appearances to his credit. However, Beltran says he and the team will look to bring out the best in him.

“Starlin Castro is a very athletic guy, a guy who can play a lot of different positions on the infield. I believe he’s going to be an important key for us this year. With the veterans we have, we’ll be on top of him, helping him become a better ballplayer.”

Starlin Castro is expected to start 2016 as the Yankees' second baseman. [Image by Elsa/Getty Images]
Starlin Castro is expected to start 2016 as the Yankees’ second baseman. [Image by Elsa/Getty Images]
If 2016 marks the end of the road for Beltran, he will leave the game as one of the best switch-hitters in history. He will also have a strong case for the Hall of Fame as he will retire with 500+ doubles, 400+ HR, 300+ stolen bases, and likely 2,500+ hits for the Kansas City Royals, Houston Astros, New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, and Yankees. He’s still looking to win his first World Series, something that has eluded him through his nearly two-decade career.

In 18 seasons, Beltran is an eight-time All-Star and a former American League Rookie of the Year winner (1999).

[Featured Image by Mike Stobe/Getty Images]

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