Adrian Beltre will be sticking around with the Texas Rangers for a few more years.
Adrian Beltre has been a steady presence for the Texas Rangers since signing in 2011. He has made the MLB All-Star Game three times and hasn’t hit below .287 since joining the team. The 19-year veteran also has his contract expiring after this season. Given that he’s 37 years old, it wasn’t known whether the Rangers would bring him back.
That question has apparently been answered as Texas has given Beltre a two-year contract extension, according to Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
This will take Beltre through the 2018 season when he’ll be 39. It’s unknown if he plans on retiring once this deal expires.
Awarding Beltre this extension possibly takes away a spot at the hot corner for top prospect Joey Gallo. He came up as a third baseman but may be destined for left field if the Rangers want to get him up full-time later this season. Designated hitter may be an option as well.
So Adrian Beltre will be sticking around with the Rangers for a few more years. He’ll provide a steady presence in the batting order given he doesn’t continue declining, as his home run total has decreased every year since 2012. The Dominican Republic native already has two homers early on, so maybe signs of slowing down aren’t so apparent.
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