So far this season, the Mets have played 75 games. They are currently .5 games out of first place. The Mets have been able be competitive despite that fact that they have had Carlos Beltran, a perennial All-Star, play exactly 0 games for them.

When Beltran does return to the Mets, he will be a major asset. There is no way to deny that. Despite playing only half a season last year, Beltran was able to bat .325 with 10 home runs and 48 RBI. That production would be very helpful for the Mets.

However, it might be in the Mets’ best interests to trade Carlos Beltran. While he would be a force in the Mets lineup, Beltran may have more value as a trade candidate.

Before the season, Beltran would have been one of the players on the Mets untouchable list. Thanks to the emergence of Angel Pagan and Jeff Francoeur, Beltran is no longer on that list.

Pagan has been very productive so far this season. He has hit .302 with 4 home runs, 35 RBI, and he as also stolen 14 bases. Francoeur has managed to hit .270 with 7 home runs, 40 RBI, and he has stolen 7 bases. Instead of sending on of these players to the bench when Beltran returns, Beltran could be traded away in a deal for a top pitcher.

Acquiring an ace like Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt, Dan Haren, or even a solid number two starter such as Fausto Carmona or…(to read the rest of the reasons Carlos Beltran could be traded and to see who else the Mets could get for him, click on the link below)

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