Beltran back to Astros

CROSS CARLOS BELTRAN off the Yankees’ wish list for next week’s Winter Meetings.

The nine-time All-Star who spent most of the last three seasons in pinstripes has agreed to a one-year deal with the Astros.

The deal is worth $16 million, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney.

While still a free agent, Beltran, who the Yankees traded to the Rangers at last season’s deadline, was considered a veteran stop-gap option in the Bronx while they waited for some of the younger bats in the system to become big-league ready.

A source told the Daily News that the Yankees had kicked the tires on a reunion with Beltran, but never made a formal offer.

The 39-year-old Beltran hit .295 with 29 home runs and 93 RBI over 151 games with the Yankees and Rangers and made the All-Star team last season.

The Yankees moved him on Aug. 1 for minor-league pitchers Nick Green, Erik Swanson and Dillon Tate.

As a result of Beltran coming off the free-agent market, the Yankees may look to Matt Holliday or Mike Napoli as veteran options to fill that spot in the lineup when the Winter Meetings begin Monday in National Harbor, Md.

Beltran spent half of 2004 with the Astros where he made his mark with eight postseason home runs in 12 games. — Staff and wire report