Amazing how quickly things are happening, still days in advance of the trade deadline. This could end up being a dead weekend, but only because the weekdays are so alive. After reports that the Rangers were in on Carlos Beltran, and then out on Carlos Beltran, now we're getting word that the Giants have all but brought the guy in. Tim Brown:
Looks like Beltran is indeed going to SF, according to source. Logistics being worked out.
The Giants make for a good, sensible destination. They're a team that could really use the help, and they're a team to which Beltran would happily agree to waive his no-trade clause. The biggest question now is what the Mets might get back. Ken Davidoff:
#Mets are expected to get Gary Brown and, most likely, two other players in return for Beltran.
And Buster Olney:
The Giants are expected to give up pitcher Zach Wheeler as the centerpiece of the Beltran trade.
So there's some disagreement there as to which top Giants prospect the Mets will receive as the centerpiece. Either one would be a hell of a get, though. Brown's the toolsy, lightning-fast outfielder, while Wheeler's the righty starter who Baseball America ranked as the No. 55 prospect in baseball before the season.
It looks like it's only a matter of time before this is complete. The Giants will get probably the best position player on the market, and the Mets will get a package that more than satisfactorily compensates them for their loss. It's unclear who will headline that package, but in either case - Brown or Wheeler - it'll be a big talent.