Could Blue Jays “Interest” in Carlos Beltran be a Smoke Screen?

Despite signing designated hitter Kendrys Morales, the Toronto Blue Jays continue to be linked to free agent Carlos Beltran. But is Toronto actually interested in Beltran?

One of the main narratives around the Toronto Blue Jays entering this offseason was the need to balance their right-handed heavy lineup and add a left-handed bat or two.

Although the Blue Jays added switch-hitting DH Kendrys Morales, which was made official on Friday, the team continues to be linked to 39-year-old outfielder/designated hitter Carlos Beltran.

WEEI’s Rob Bradford reported earlier last week that the Blue Jays were interested in Beltran, but he did also mention the Astros, Red Sox and Yankees were interested too.

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I don’t doubt the Blue Jays have done their due diligence and checked in with Beltran, but I doubt they have serious interest. Yes, he fits the criteria of helping balance the Toronto lineup, but he doesn’t help them get younger.

It’s almost a guarantee that Beltran would sign a one-year deal, but with his price tag likely around $16 to $18 million, wouldn’t it make more sense for the Blue Jays to try to hammer out a short-term deal with Jose Bautista and operate on a year-to-year basis like the Red Sox did with David Ortiz?

Positionally, Beltran is best served as a designated hitter, but Morales now occupies that spot. Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith did report that Morales could play a “good deal” of first base, and possibly outfield, according to Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins, but could you really see this regime being comfortable with Beltran and Morales platooning DH and right field? I doubt it.

On top of that, if the Red Sox and Yankees are truly interested in Beltran, I highly doubt Toronto would engage in a bidding war with either of those teams. Of course, Edwin Encarnacion could eliminate the Red Sox from the Beltran sweepstakes if he were to sign in Boston, but until that happens — let’s hope it doesn’t — Beltran is a realistic option for the Bo Sox. Again, would the Jays engage in a bidding war for Beltran? Probably not.

After sorting through these different thoughts and scenarios with Beltran, I had to ask myself, “is this a smokescreen for a different deal?” Over the years we’ve seen a number of teams “linked” to a player, but out of nowhere they then sign, or trade, for a completely different player.

Perhaps the Blue Jays are using these Beltran rumours as a smoke screen for another deal? The team has been linked to Dexter Fowler, Adam Eaton and Sean Rodriguez, to name a few options. Or perhaps they’re trying to use it as leverage with Encarnacion or Bautista to show that they have a cheaper alternative on the table.

Either way, considering what we know about Beltran and the Jays’ offseason plan thus far, he doesn’t make sense for Toronto, which makes me wonder if these rumours are a smoke screen for a different deal?

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What do you think of the Blue Jays reported interest in Beltran? Do you think he would be a good fit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.