There’s long been chatter of a possible extension between the Rangers and veteran third baseman Adrian Beltre, and Jon Morosi of FOX Sports reports that there’s cause for optimism that a deal can be reached this spring.
Beltre is entering the final season of the five-year deal that brought him to Texas before the 2011 campaign. Texas exercised a club option for the 2016 season this time last year, locking in the decision ahead of time in exchange for a bit of salary shuffling on the part of Beltre.
It’s been a productive relationship thus far, to be sure, and both sides appear inclined to continue things past the present season. GM Jon Daniels said earlier in the winter that the club has interest in a new deal, and Beltre expressed much the same recently.
Beltre’s agent, Scott Boras, tells Morosi that there’s reason to think something can get done during camp. “I’d say there are certainly grounds for a discussion of advancing Adrian’s contract, yes,” Boras said when asked whether a deal could be in place by the start of the season. “I think Adrian already had a discussion with them, in which he expressed a desire to stay,” he added. “They want him there, and we’re going to work on that.”
It’s unclear at this point what kind of contract would be considered. Beltre will soon turn 37, is coming off of thumb surgery, and did slip a bit at the plate last year — posting a still-strong .287/.334/.453 slash after carrying a .899 OPS over his five prior campaigns. Then again, it’s notable that he managed not only to stay productive at the plate but also to continue playing premier-level defense while battling through the serious thumb issue for most of the year.
Certainly, Beltre would have plenty of value on the open market if he can match his 2015 campaign, and would be pursued that much more heavily if he can bounce back to his lofty prior levels. There’s some uncertainty, but also some upside, that will surely impact his earning capacity. On the other side of the equation, Texas will need to weigh the presence of rising players in the organization, including top prospect Joey Gallo and even former top prospect Jurickson Profar, whose respective development paths could impact the team’s infield mix. But even if those players hit their ceilings, there’s probably enough flexibility to get all involved the plate appearances they’d need. While Gallo is a third baseman by trade, he has dabbled in the outfield and could also slide across the diamond with Mitch Moreland headed for free agency.
Let go rangers let get beltre a World Series ring
I don’t see any logical reason to offer Beltre an extension at this point. I know it isn’t likely but there is the real possibility that both Profar and Gallo could excel while Beltre suffers serious regression. Why commit to spending the money before you really have to in this case? (Yes it would be different in my mind if Beltre was younger).
I agree. The signing of Beltre was a very good move for Texas. He has delivered everything the Rangers could have hoped for. He IS turning 37 soon and his production has dropped off the last couple years a bit—as one would expect of a player in his mid 30’s. You can argue injuries were the reason but that’s part of getting older. Unless Gallo is a bust, why not go ahead next year and make him your third sacker for the next 4-5 years?
A couple of reasons they’re looking toward bringing him back. He’s been a tremendous influence on the clubs younger players and they want that to continue. Their offense is very left-handed and if Beltre leaves it’s even more of a glaring issue.
As far as Gallo goes, Moreland is a free agent after this season and somebody, whether it’s Gallo or Beltre will have to play first base in 2017.
Isn’t Gallo also poor defensively? I thought I read that. Pls correct if I’m wrong
No, Gallo is very decent defensively and can hold down 3B in the bigs if needed.
I guess Beltre or Gallo moves to 1B if Beltre is extended, what with Prince holding down the DH spot for the next 5 years.
Another un-important thing about the Rangers keeping Beltre: If he plays more seasons in Texas, that’s the hat he’ll wear when he gets into the HOF (and yes, he’s getting in).
That’s a long way away man, he’s my favorite player in the whole league besides Bryce but the guys not a first ballot type of dude. Probably will sneak in in one of his last few shots at it.
Disagree wholeheartedly, he’s already at 74.9 fWAR (that’s 42nd all-time) and he’s only just now entering his late 30’s. He’s going to easily get to 3,000 hits (only 223 away right now) and he might even sniff 500 homers. What more do you want? If he retired today he might be borderline, but not really. If he gets to 3K hits he’s as sure a thing as there is. Who else is going to get in over him or steal votes from him? He’s respected, he’s never been connected to PEDs, and he’s been a regular since he was only 19 years old.
He is ABSOLUTELY a 1st ballot Hall of Famer. He’s why the HOF exists.
I agree somewhat. If he was to retire today his stats would probably be enough to get him in. If he turns in league average production for another 3 years he should get in on his first ballot. 3000 hits pretty much guarantees a plaque. The only knock on him (which really isn’t a bad thing) is he is such a low key player. He has never really been a headline grabbing egomaniac. He plays a great game and always gives 100%. He just does it quitely. I bet when he eventually becomes a candidate the voters are going to be shocked when they see his overall career stats. If he does stick around for 3 more years he will have no trouble getting in.
Profar has lost most of his arm strength, he is most likely limited to second base and only occasionly 3rd or short at this point. He might also get a few reps in center. The bat still looks plus so would make a good 4 starts a week guy.
Isn’t profar a SS? And a throw from 3B is a harder and should be a stronger through than from SS, unless it’s in the left field hole. And suggesting he should play CF which should have s decent arm is just weird
You can have a noodle arm and still play CF. You only really need a cannon in RF. But yeah, if he has a dead arm there is zero chance he plays 3rd. Plus, he has a good bat for a middle infielder. He would give probably be little more than slightly above average with the bat for a 3rd baseman. He is more than likely looking at a career at second now. Two years without swinging a bat is going to take awhile to overcome itself. Some hitters never get back to where they were before a layoff like that. He is still really young though and hopefully the Rangers still have options left on him. He is going to need some time in the minors where he can play everyday with little pressure.
He throw from SS is a longer throw than 3rd
It might be in certain situations but on the hot corner you need a strong, hard throw to get the guy.
Beltre played injured during each of the last 2 years. His production suffered as a consequence of his persistence in staying in the line up despite excruciating pain. His absence in the Blue Jay series was palpable because he’d been doing so well at the end of the season. His defense at 3rd is still rock solid, they definitely need his right handed bat in the middle of the order, and if that’s his slash while playing injured, no reason to think he can’t close out his career as a Ranger on 1-2 year deal at the same clip or better. Beltre isn’t ageless, but he’s been in the bigs since he was 19, and it would take an act of God to get him off the field if he’s healthy.
yes….he played injured. older player are more injury prone. their bodies break down. that’s just part of life. plus, he has a lot of miles on those tires. he is a good man in the clubhouse and having a good right handed stick in that lineup IS important. but how much gas is left in the tank? He could be at the point where 14-60 .265 is where he’ll be. Texas should be in no rush to sign him to an extension. Gallo may not win a GG but I saw him play third a couple weeks and he was good enough. Rangers may be faced with a decision: Do we keep an aging Beltre a couple extra year or sign Moreland, age 30? Then again, Moreland hasn’t ever played more than 147 games in a season. Decisions, decisions! 🙂
“excruciating pain” – lol, where do I buy tickets to this hyperbole train?
Excruciating means incapable of doing anything, not playing like an all-star and have a 4.6 fWAR season.
which is not the first time he’s played injured. he did the same in a couple stretches over his 5 or 6 years in Seattle as well.
beltre lived in steroid city. he doesnt deserve to go into Hall any more than piazza did. he is like delgado and schilling and all the others too many to list.
Such an ignorant comment. Beltre put up the best years of his career after the steroid era. He continues to put up good numbers even at his advanced age. Not to mention he’s one of the most well liked and respected players in the game.
Players (generally speaking; this isn’t aimed at Beltre) still use steroids.
I’m fully aware that steroids still are used but its now the exception and not the rule. All you have to do is look at offensive numbers in the last 8-9 years.
Beltre is the heart and soul of the team. He’s outplayed his contract and Texas needs him moving forward even knowing he is declining. Profar hasn’t played in two years and Gallo is versatile enough to play 1st or corner outfield. Plenty of at bats to go around.
nothing ignorant about my statement. wake up Stevens. beltre may be a nice guy but he did steroids for a long time. i dont need results from a urine test to tell me beltre was all over steroids. and what makes you think the steroid era is over?
So in your world everyone is guilty until proven innocent? You really do need a positive test to tell you he was. I mean are we just going to start throwing people in prison because they look like a criminal?
of course not and beltre best years were not recently. his best years were his walk years. alot of guys never tested positive but are being punished, held out of hof. steroid users have been managers, coaches,announcers and work in managent like jim thome. maybe i should change my mind and not be so mad about steroids. maybe bonds should be voted in, biggio is in, why not let them in and get it over with. but to pick and choose when they all did it is the worst thing to do. im not arguimg with you, im just talking. im learnimg alot from these posts. i appreciate honest opinions.
Beltre is as good as they come. One of the toughest guys the league has ever seen. Elite defense, great offensive numbers, longevity, great clubhouse guy. What more do you want for him? He’s first ballot right now in my book and he’s not done yet.
I don’t know of anyone who would question his toughness, work ethic, clubhouse leadership or his talent. The question for the Rangers is how much do you invest in a guy who will be 38 years old when he starts his next contract, especially when you have a good looking prospect in Joey Gallo who can take Beltre’s position for a lot less money? It’s s difficult call especially when you consider Darvish could be a FA after this season, and if he pitches well after TJ, could be in line for Cueto/Grienke type of money.