The San Francisco Giants have fired the first big salvo in the race to acquire talent for another playoff run this season as they have acquired New York Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran.

The deal, which is expected to become official on Thursday, gives the Giants a much-needed middle of the lineup bat. Beltran, who is expected to play right field for the Giants, was batting .289 with 15 home runs and 66 RBI so far this season for the Mets.

According to several reports, the Mets are expected to pick up about $4 million of the remaining $6 million left on Beltran’s contract, which expires after this season.

The Giants will be sending their top pitching prospect, 2009 first-round pick Zack Wheeler, to the Mets in exchange for Beltran.

The outfielder is expected to join the team Thursday in Philadelphia and be in the starting lineup for the series finale.

Photo Credit: Keith Allison, via Wikimedia Commons

• Tag: Carlos Beltran, New York Mets, Outfielder, San Francisco Giants, Trade, Zack Wheeler