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Texas Rangers, Adrian Beltre Begin Contract Talks

By Kenneth Nash

Oct 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre (29) singles against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning in game four of the ALDS at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre (29) singles against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning in game four of the ALDS at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Rangers have engaged in contract extension talks with third baseman, Adrian Beltre

Adrian Beltre is entering the final year of six-year, $96 million contract and is scheduled to make $18 million this season. Beltre continues to be one of the top third basemen in the league even at the age of 36. Last season he hit .287/.334/.453 last season along with 18 HR and 83 RBI. Adrian came to the Texas Rangers at the end of a one-year contract with the Red Sox in a season where he hit .321/.365/.553. Despite the drop-off in hitting last season, Beltre put together another stellar defensive year, capturing his 5th Gold Glove award.

According to Tyler Conway of Bleacher Report, the Rangers are looking to extend Beltre with a contract likely ending near his 40th birthday. Texas is expected to not give Beltre a raise and may even try to lower his salary considering his elevated age. However, where Beltre maintains his leverage in contract talks is his 5.8 wins above replacement. Despite the nearly a game drop-off from 2014, the 5.8 WAR was still fourth among third basemen in 2015 behind only Kris Bryant, Manny Machado, and Josh Donaldson. This shows Beltre’s worth in the free agent market and the difficulty Texas would have in replacing him.

If the Rangers decided to move away from Beltre, there are a few names on the free agent market that would be a decent replacement including David Freese and Mark Reynolds. Another option would be to promote from within possibly placing Joey Gallo at third or moving a middle infielder over. Despite these options, the Rangers would not get nearly the offensive or defensive returns that they get from Beltre and would be making the decision from a primarily economic standpoint.

Fans can expect the Texas Rangers to pay to keep Beltre but he has been known to test the free agent market in the past and could test it again in 2017 especially if he puts up big stats next season.

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