Texas Rangers: Why Would the Phillies Want Adrian Beltre?

After losing rookie J.P. Crawford the Phillies set sights on Texas Rangers’ veteran Adrian Beltre according to JP Morosi of MLB.com.

The Philadelphia Phillies sit in the heart of a playoff push. With a 39-33 record in the most difficult division in baseball, they need to do what most contenders will-add pieces at the deadline.

Earlier this week, the Phillies lost their hot-shot at the hot-corner J.P. Crawford for 4-to-6 weeks. In that time, they could lose a ton of ground on quality teams like the Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves.

The Rangers on the other hand, sit at the complete opposite end of the spectrum. In last place in the AL West with a 32-44 record, the MLB Trade deadline means fire sale time in Arlington.

Does Adrian Beltre fit in the city of brotherly love?

Adrian Beltre is 39-years old but still plays a mean third base, handling the hot corner extremely well. His power numbers have dipped, as he has hit only three homers this season. In 159 at bats, Beltre has posted a slash line of .302/.357/.428 to go along with his 22 runs batted in.

For the Phillies, in the National League with no DH, does this move make sense?

JP Crawford is not lost for the season, but prior to his injury he was not hitting the cover off the ball. A solid player, getting on base at a .332-percent clip but Adrian Beltre is certainly an upgrade. Considering the presumably low asking price, this move could be a no brainer for the brain trust in Philly.

What would a potential return look like for Beltre?

The Texas Rangers can not expect a huge return for their aging hall of famer, but something is better than nothing when it comes to bolstering their 22nd best farm system.

The Phillies on the other hand have the 4th best farm system. So even though the return for Beltre will not be a top 30 prospect, that middle tier of Phillies farm hens are still quality players.