The New York Yankees made the signing of outfielder Carlos Beltran official Thurday and introduced him on Friday morning at Yankee Stadium.
Beltran, 36, said during the press conference that he was happy to be back to the city where he once played for the crosstown rival New York Mets for seven years.
“Having the opportunity to come back again as a Yankee means a lot to me,” Beltran said. “I grew up being a Yankee fan. I grew up being a Bernie Williams fan. At one point [in 2005], I almost got a chance to sign with the Yankees, but it didn’t work out,” said Beltran during the press conference. Instead, he signed with the Mets. Although he had a few good years with the Mets, the marriage between the two was bumpy.
The Yankees and 8-time All Star Outfielder Beltran agreed to a three-year, $45 million dollar deal two weeks ago. The move was an immediate response to the departure of Robinson Cano, who signed with the Seattle Mariners for a whopping $240 million dollars over 10 years.
The Yankees also signed Jacoby Ellsbury to a seven-year. $153 million dollar deal. Ellsbury played for the Boston Red Sox last year.
This will be the sixth team that Beltran plays for during his 15 year career. With the St. Louis Cardinals last year, he hit .296 with 24 homers, 84 RBIs and had an OPS of .830, leading the team to the World Series and his first.
The switch-hitting Beltran not only brings his experience, and his power to the Bronx, but he also brings leadership and a strong veteran presence to a clubhouse that has lost legends Mariano Rivera, and Andy Pettitte to retirement.
The addition also gives the Yankees and manager Joe Girardi a more versatile lineup to combat other teams with. Although Robinson Cano is no longer on the team, the additions of Beltran, Ellsbury, a healthy Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira, along with more pieces that are being added, the Yankees lineup will not have more depth but it will also have more speed toward the bottom and top.
Beltran has had issues with his knees over the past few years stemming back to his days with the New York Mets. The New York Yankees as a result will monitor him as he plays right field. They will also utilize him as a DH.
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