Free agent outfielder Carlos Beltran has agreed to a contract with the World Series champion Cardinals, according to a published report out of St. Louis.
The deal is reportedly for two years, worth 26 million, and includes a no-trade clause.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported the deal just before 5 p.m. on Thursday. The paper reported that Beltran selected the Cardinals offer the Indians and Blue jays. The Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays were also said to be in the mix for the switch-hitter.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Beltran, who will turn 35 in April split the 2011 campaign between New York and San Francisco, appearing in 142 games. He hit .300 with 22 home runs and 84 RBIs.
Beltran was acquired by the Giants in a trade deadline deal that cost San Francisco top pitching prospect Zack Wheeler.
He appeared in 44 games but spent two weeks on the DL during August with a strained right hand and wrist after checking a swing against Philadelphia's Roy Oswalt.
The Giants selected Wheeler with the No. 6 pick in the 2009 draft. The right-hander was 7-5 with a 3.99 ERA in 16 starts for San Francisco's high Class-A affiliate in San Jose.
San Francisco Giants
His acquisition helps offset the loss of slugger Albert Pujols, who left St. Louis for a 10-year, 254-million deal with the Angels.