The Red Sox are among the teams interested in Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran. But some in the industry anticipate that Beltran will insist on his using his no-trade clause to remain in the National League.

So, Boston officials are pursuing other alternatives to fill their need for an outfield bat. One option is Kansas City right fielder Jeff Francoeur.

The Red Sox have inquired about Francoeur’s availability, multiple sources told FOXSports.com; one person briefed on the discussions said they were of an “exploratory” nature. The Royals have a mutual option on Francoeur for next season, so they are under no pressure to move him.

Francoeur and fellow outfielder Melky Cabrera have garnered interest from multiple clubs leading up to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. It seems unlikely that general manager Dayton Moore will move them both.

Francoeur, 27, has appeared in the postseason twice and reached the World Series with the Texas Rangers last year. He has a .973 OPS against left-handed pitching in 2011, making him one of the most coveted right-handed hitters on the midseason trade market.

— Jon Paul Morosi