Beltran remains an object of desire for teams seeking a proven and productive hitter on the free-agent market. The Royals have company in their pursuit, with playoff contenders among the hunters.

And this is not an unrequited affair. Beltran started his career with the Royals and reportedly sounds willing to finish it there.

For the right price. That includes a deal of at least three years, according to multiple media reports, and likely somewhere in the neighborhood of $18 million per season.

That's where things get dicey for the Royals: They don't have deep financial resources to throw at a high-priced player. Other suitors do. Among them are the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles.

In addition to being a solid defensive outfielder, Beltran figures to see time as designated hitter. Hence, plenty of interest from American League teams. Someone might well sign him before baseball's winter meetings begins Dec. 9.

A Royals official told the Kansas City Star the team would love to have Beltran. “One thing about Carlos Beltran is he’s a money player. He’s an RBI guy. He produces.”

That's great, and the Royals believe they can make their money work while getting Beltran, 36, a long-term contract.

GM Dayton Moore also wants to add another starting pitcher, following on the signing of Jason Vargas earlier this month. Vargas got a four-year, $32 million deal. The next pitcher signed won't get close to that.

“We’ll see what else unfolds in the winter meetings and beyond with maybe another pitcher,” Moore told the Star. “We’ll see what’s available. There are still opportunities to make a trade or two with some of our current group.”

A trade or two would be more possible if the team signs Beltran. DH Billy Butler might become redundant. The object would be to clear salary space. Also mentioned on the block are relievers Aaron Crow and Luke Hochevar.

Now about the competition: The Yankees are expected to throw piles of cash at Beltran, and that might sway him toward the Bronx for a two-year deal and away from the Royals' three-year offer, according to The New York Post.


RAMIREZ, DODGERS TALK EXTENSION


Hanley Ramirez has one season left on his Los Angeles Dodgers contract, and reports are circulating the infielder and the team are talking about an extension.

An accord wouldn't be surprising. Ramirez made it known in midsummer he would like to stay with the Dodgers.

"Hopefully, I could stay here the rest of my career," he told the Los Angeles Times. "But I can't control that."

Now he can. Talks are under way as Ramirez recovers from an injury-plagued season. He's at home in the Dominican Republic trying to strengthen his back and finished up recovery from broken ribs in the NL Championship Series. He also tore a thumb ligament in the World Baseball Classic.

Ramirez will be paid $16 million next season. It's the final year of a six-year, $70 million deal  he signed with the Miami Marlins, who dumped him in their latest salary and talent purge.

At 29, Ramirez provides a better bat than glove to the Dodgers. He hit .345 with 20 homers and 57 RBIs, and he credits the Dodgers for helping him move on after a sour experience with the Marlins.


RED SOX COULD KEEP DREW


With Xander Bogaerts pushing for time as their starting third baseman next season, the Boston Red Sox might be willing to retain shortstop Stephen Drew.

A free agent, Drew, 30, rejected a one-year, $14.1 million qualifying offer. He's seeking a multi-year contract, likely three or four years, through handler Scott Boras.

Teams have been reluctant to reach an accord for Drew's services. While his defense and his regular-season hitting were good, his postseason plate performance was lousy. General managers would have to play hardball with Boras for a player they might see as overpriced.

There are rational notions behind re-signing Drew, the Boston Herald notes. For one, his defense is glue for the left side of the infield, and he forms a solid double-play combination with second baseman Dustin Pedroia.

It's the first attribute that might appeal most of the Sox. Bogaerts is 21 and would use a mentor and defensive complement in what could be his first season as a starter. Will Middlebrooks figures to push Bogaerts — he is the incumbent at third after all — but his middlin' 2013 season has the Sox looking for more. Ergo, Bogaerts.

Drew might not be alone in returning to the BoSox. The team also has alternative offers prepared for Mike Napoli, Jacoby Ellsbury and Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Boston radio station WEEI reports.


RAYS WEIGH 1B OPTIONS


James Loney's job as Tampa Bay Rays first baseman is up for grabs, with the team weighing numerous free-agent options. Loney is among them.

December's market activity is expected to get a boost during baseball's winter meetings, which begin Dec. 9. At that time, the Rays will field questions about a potential trade of starter David Price.

Regardless of a Price deal happening, the Rays have a corner hole to fill on their infield.

The Rays are in position to snag a solid left-handed hitter to play first base. Loney is an option, but he also is a target for the Colorado Rockies. That team also is believed to be examining Justin Morneau and Mike Napoli.

While a free agent, including Corey Hart, is a possibility for the Rays, the Tampa Bay Times mentions several trade possibilities. They include Mark Trumbo from the Los Angeles Angels, the Texas Rangers' Mitch Moreland and Ike Davis of the New York Mets.


KOREAN RIGHTY DRAWS INTEREST


Suk-Min Yoon. For those in the know, this South Korean righthander is a wanted man in baseball.

How wanted? Reports indicate six teams are interested in signing Yoon, a 27-year-old free agent. Just where he might land is as big an issue as what he might do for an MLB club.

He was a starter, winning MVP honors in the Korean league in 2011, before a shoulder problem limited him to relief work in 2013. Teams will want to make sure he's healthy, which is why he might come at a relatively low price. Yoon is in the States working out to showcase himself. Teams saw him earlier in the World Baseball Classic.

Who's interested? The Minnesota Twins are mentioned as possibilities for a flock of pitchers and are known to be looking for two starters for next season. Figuring Ricky Nolasco, signed this week, is one of them, their search includes free agents from Bronson Arroyo to a return by Johan Santana.

The Chicago Cubs also are watching Yoon, and at least four other teams reportedly are interested.

Contributor: Ray Slover