"Beltrán was the runaway choice for American League Rookie of the Year, the first of many accolades he'd accrue over the next two decades. Injuries and a sophomore slump limited his playing time in 2000, but Beltrán reestablished himself as one of the sport's best outfielders the following year. He'd hit above .300 in two of the next three seasons, earning his first top 10 MVP finish behind a .307/.389/.522 showing in 2003."
"A small-market Kansas City franchise was unlikely to re-sign him, making him a top trade chip as he entered his final season of club control. The Royals dealt Beltrán, a first-time All-Star, to the Astros midway through the '04 season. He appeared on the National League roster - Houston was then an NL team - and finished 12th in NL MVP balloting despite spending the first three months in the American League. Beltrán hit .258/.368/.559 with 23 homers in 90 regular season games for Houston."
Carlos Beltrán and Andruw Jones were elected to the Hall of Fame and will be inducted in Cooperstown next June. Beltrán earned election in his fourth year on the ballot after positive trend lines pushed him past the 75% threshold; he had been the only player between 70% and 75% the prior year. The Royals drafted Beltrán in the second round in 1995; he debuted in September 1998 and was soon viewed as a five-tool center fielder. He hit .293/.337/.454 with 22 homers and 27 stolen bases as a rookie and won American League Rookie of the Year. Injuries limited 2000, but he rebounded and produced a .307/.389/.522 season in 2003. Kansas City traded him to Houston during 2004, where he hit .258/.368/.559 with 23 homers in 90 games.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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