Carlos Beltran, wife, celebrate return to New York in Yankees deal

Staff report

Carlos Beltran, wife, celebrate return to New York in Yankees deal image

Who's happy about Carlos Beltran joining the New York Yankees? Apparently, Mrs. Beltran. Who's unhappy? Apparently, New York Mets fans.

Jessica Beltran, Carlos' wife, posted a photo of herself and her man. They are dressed to the nines and sharing a toast to his three-year, $45 million contract.

Pencil Beltran in as the Yankees' everyday right fielder as a result of his deal announced Friday. Jacoby Ellsbury signed on earlier in the week to play center field.

Mets fans had hoped Beltran would return to the team. He spent more than six seasons with New York's beleaguered National League team.

As usual, spurned fans turned to social media to express their disappointment. The Star-Ledger of Newark, N.J., posted a sample, including this one.

Beltran reached the World Series for the first time in 2013 and was the best player for the St. Louis Cardinals in their six-game loss to the Boston Red Sox.

Beltran's agreement came hours after second baseman Robinson Cano decided to leave for the Seattle Mariners and on the same day pitcher Hiroki Kuroda agreed to return for 2014.

MORE: David Ortiz says Yankees lost face of team in Cano

Beltran's deal was detailed to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because it was subject to a physical and had not yet been announced. The agreement was first reported by the New York Daily News.

Beltran, 36, is an eight-time All-Star who played for the Mets from 2005-11, when he was dealt to the San Francisco Giants. He signed a two-year, $26 million contract with the Cardinals before the 2012 season.

Slowed by knee injuries, Beltran has retained a potent bat — especially in October. He hit .296 with 24 homers and 84 RBIs for the Cardinals in 2013 and added two homers and 15 RBIs in the postseason. Beltran injured ribs in the World Series opener when he banged into Fenway Park's right-fight fence while robbing David Ortiz of a grand slam.

Beltran joins a crowded Yankees outfield. Brett Gardner, Ichiro Suzuki and Alfonso Soriano are set to return. Ellsbury has a seven-year, $153 million pending.

Soriano is likely to play left field. He and Beltran also could be used as designated hitters if the Yankees decide to retain Suzuki.

Staff report