With the New York Yankees' playoff hopes slowly fading, Carlos Beltran's impending free agency made him a strong trade chip, and the club reportedly cashed in Monday.
Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reported that the Texas Rangers traded prospect Dillon Tate in exchange for Beltran. Passan added that the Yankees would be receiving "more" than just Tate.
Beltran has been terrific this season for the Yankees, making the American League All-Star team and leading the team in doubles (21), home runs (22), RBI (64) and slugging percentage (.546).
Yet the Yankees knew they could deal him because his contract is set to end after the season, and Aaron Judge is hitting .261/.357/.469 with 33 extra-base hits in Triple-A.
The 39-year-old Beltran was one of the most attractive hitters available as the trade deadline approached, especially since the Yankees accepted the reality of their situation and were motivated to move him.
The Yankees are seven games behind the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East and 5.5 games out of the second wild-card spot, making them sellers at the deadline.
The Yankees need to get younger and more athletic if they hope to avoid a long rebuilding period. Trading Beltran to at least open up a roster spot for a talented young player like the 24-year-old Judge is a good first step for the franchise.
