The Houston Astros are interested in reuniting with 9-time MLB All-Star Carlos Beltran to serve as the team’s designated hitter for the 2017 season, writes Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News.

A source reportedly told Feinsand that the Astros are “hot” for Beltran, who split the 2016 season with the New York Yankees and the Texas Rangers, and batted .295/.337/.513 with 29 homers and 93 RBIs in 151 regular season games.

Houston used a committee last season to decide who would be the designated hitter, with Evan Gattis receiving much of the burn at that spot. Yulieski Gurriel, Preston Tucker, and Tyler White also saw playing time at DH.

The Rangers are still very much interested in retaining Beltran this off-season, and Beltran told reports back in October that he hoped to re-sign with Texas.

Beltran, who will turn 40 this April, spent half a season with the Astros in 2004 after being traded to Houston by the Kansas City Royals. He would play 90 games for the Astros before signing a 7-year, $119 million contract with the New York Mets in the off-season.

Beltran is reportedly seeking a 1 – or 2-year deal, with his priority being to sign with a contending team. He is expected to land with an American League club so that he is not required to be used as a full-time outfielder.

[twitter-follow screen_name='tony_montalto' show_count='yes']