Cardinals make qualifying offer to Carlos Beltran

It does not mean that Carlos Beltran will be back for a third year with the St. Louis Cardinals, but the organization has made a qualifying order of $14.1 million for one year. If Beltran signs with another team, the Cardinals will receive a draft pick.

General manager John Mozeliak and manager Mike Matheny met with reporters Monday for the first time since losing a six-game World Series to the Red Sox last week. Mozeliak says he expects the 36-year-old Beltran to seek a multiyear contract elsewhere. "We never want to close doors," Mozeliak said. "Reality is when you look at the depth, trying to find ample playing time, I'm not sure how happy he will be." Beltran topped 600 plate appearances both seasons with the Cardinals, needing just occasional rest for his surgically repaired knees. He batted .296 with 24 homers and 84 RBIs this year, and had several big hits in the postseason, too. "I reminded him what an incredible season he had for us," Matheny said. "We don't know how this whole thing is going to play out." But the outfield will be crowded with Matt Adams expected to be the everyday first baseman and cleanup man Allen Craig moving to right field. Top prospect Oscar Taveras also figures to be in the mix.