Fresh off his 18th season in the bigs, Yankees outfielder Carlos Beltran is ready to help out the team's new young second baseman as retirement starts to creep into his mind.
Beltran, who has played in 2,306 MLB games for six teams, said his performance in 2016 will dictate whether he hangs up his cleats.
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“I don’t think there is any big decision I have to make — other than to play one more year or go home,” Beltran said, via the New York Post. “In my case, I am very happy with my career. … If I feel like I produce well to the point where I can make a good impact on a team, then I can play one more year. Or if I feel like I have (had) enough, I’ll go home.”
In the meantime, Beltran is ready to help newly acquired second baseman Starlin Castro become a better player.
“Starlin Castro is a very athletic guy, a guy who can play a lot of different positions on the infield,” Beltran said. “With the veterans we have, we’ll be on top of him, helping him become a better ballplayer.
“I believe he’s going to be an important key for us this year."
Beltran heads into the season with 392 career home runs and 1,443 RBIs. He's slotted to start in right field next season, but the Yankees may add a younger bat this offseason to platoon with him as injuries have become a problem.