SF Giants, NY Mets Rumors: Carlos Beltran done deal

New York Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran will be traded to the San Francisco Giants, according to multiple reports.

Beltran was the premier offensive player on the trade market and will be joining the defending champion Giants as soon as their Thursday game in Philadelphia.

The Giants will be giving up minor league pitcher Zach Wheeler, a former first round draft choice who has been inconsistent in Single-A, but has still showed flashes of promise with his outstanding fastball.

In addition, the Giants have will only take on approximately $2 million remaining on the $6 million left on Beltran's contract this season.

The 34 year old is set to become a free agent after the season and had a no-trade clause on his contract that will be waived in order to join the Giants.

Beltran is known for his post-trade performances after hitting 23 home runs for the Houston Astros after a mid-season trade in 2004, then going on to hitting 8 more home runs in the playoffs.

Currently, Beltran is hitting 0.289 with 15 home runs and a 0.531 slugging percentage.

The Giants are in desperate need of offensive help after losing Buster Posey and Freddy Sanchez to injury. In addition, the Giants clean-up hitter from last year, Aubrey Huff, has had a very poor season thus far.

Beltran would instantly become the Giants best offensive threat and likely hit third in the lineup with Pablo Sandoval hitting clean-up.

Acquiring Beltran is a significant step for the team's hope of winning its division and defending the World Series title against the likes of the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves.

Currently, the Giants are in first place in the National League West, three games ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks.