Red Sox reportedly showing interest in Beltran
Veteran outfielder, defending champs said to be having 'serious dialogue'
The Red Sox and free-agent outfielder Carlos Beltran are reportedly in the midst of "serious dialogue," according to the Boston Herald.
The Red Sox are still uncertain about whether free agents Jacoby Ellsbury and Mike Napoli will return, and signing Beltran could go a long way toward lessening the blow if either one -- or both -- departs.
With the Cardinals in 2013, Beltran reached the World Series for the first time, but was denied a first title by the Sox. Known as one of the best postseason hitters ever, Beltran's regular-season numbers haven't shown much decline.
Beltran has been an All-Star in each of the past two seasons, and in 2013, he hit .296 with 24 homers and a .491 slugging percentage.
The 36-year-old Beltran is reportedly looking for a three-year deal, the Herald report says.