Beltran joining Yankees as special adviser to GM

Carlos Beltran is returning to the Bronx.

The retired outfielder has accepted a job as a special adviser to New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, Beltran confirmed to Enrique Rojas of ESPN.

"It is a job I had considered and taking it with the Yankees made all the sense in the world," Beltran said. "They are a storied franchise and I know them well because I played there. Also, I will be in New York, where I have a home. This is the first step toward a new career, now in the office and I am very happy about it. Right now I am not setting huge goals nor am I thinking over the long term. I am just taking one step at a time."

During his playing career, Beltran was represented by Dan Lozano of MVP Sports Group - the same agent who currently reps coveted free agent Manny Machado, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. The Yankees are among the teams meeting with Machado this week, but Beltran told Rojas that his new gig has nothing to do with the team's pursuit of the All-Star infielder.

"That is pure coincidence," Beltran said. "I have been discussing this with Cashman for some time now and on Monday I made the decision to accept it. My job will have nothing to do with Machado's situation. But I did tell Cashman that I am available to help in whatever is needed and also with the recruitment of Machado if that is necessary."

Beltran played 20 seasons in the majors, including three years with the Yankees. During his tenure in pinstripes, he slashed .270/.327/.470 with 56 home runs across 341 games.

The 41-year-old was also among the candidates who interviewed to replace Joe Girardi as Yankees manager last offseason before the team ultimately hired Aaron Boone.