Surprise, Ariz. ? Carlos Beltran reported two days early for spring training in what could be his final season with the Kansas City Royals.

Beltran, who will make $9 million this year, is eligible for free agency after the 2004 season. Even given their resurgence last year, the small-market Royals might not be able to afford to keep him.

The standout outfielder said there was “no loyalty” in baseball and that he planned to field offers from other teams after the season.

Tuesday, after reporting to the team’s camp, Beltran immediately reversed a question from a sports talk radio host who asked if he would take less money to remain in Kansas City.

“Would you take less money?” Beltran asked.

The interviewer said he would not.

“Me neither,” Beltran said.

Beltran, who turns 27 in April, has 100 RBIs and scored 100 runs in four of his past five seasons and figures to be one of the top free agents in the 2004 class.

“I’ve always been a Kansas City Royal,” said Beltran, who was a second-round pick in 1995. “I want to end my career here like George Brett did and like Mike Sweeney will do. I wish I could do that, but I also understand it is a business.

“What is going to influence me coming back is the owner talking to my agent (Scott Boras). Everything depends on the owner and what he wants to do with the club,” Beltran added. “If it is good for me to stay here, I will. If not, I’m not going to stay. I will do what is best for me and my family.”

Owner David Glass said he left contract negotiations to his son, team president Dan Glass, and general manager Allard Baird.

“I would like nothing more than have Carlos on the team for the foreseeable future,” David Glass said. “I think he is one of the 10 or 15 best players in the American League.”

Beltran could command a multiyear contract for around $15 million a season as a free agent.

“If you have a $40 million payroll, you can’t have too many $15 million players, or you can’t have anybody with them,” David Glass said.