After trading for Brian McCann, then signing Josh Reddick, the Astros go out and sign Carlos Beltran. With the deal only being for 1-year, $16 million, Houston is clearly going for it all. So, how will Houston’s third big move fit into their 2017 playoff run?
Beltran was a key part of the Astros 2004 playoff run. Beltran blasted 8 homers in 12 playoff games. However, that was more than 10 years ago, and the Astros aren’t paying for the player he was. Beltran collected a WAR of 2.0 at 39-years-old this past season as well as an OPS+ of 122.
Other than Beltran’s great bat still being in tact at 39, his glove is as well. In 2016 he had 4 defensive runs saved in right field, along with a fielding percentage of .990. As of right now, the Astros have Beltran listed in left field. Despite only have logged 18.2 major league innings in left field, with Beltran’s multiple gold gloves, he should have no problem with the transition. Like with the Yankees and Rangers this past season, Beltran also will play a majority of his games as the DH.
For only 1 year and $16 million, this was a great signing for the Astros. Borrowing a successful playoff birth, Beltran’s value will be most appreciated in October. Overall, this signing was the last hole for the Astros to fill on their roster, and Beltran fits it nicely. Now with Beltran, the Astros have arguably the most dominant lineup in baseball.
