MLB power rankings: Top 10 third basemen of 2017

Jun 6, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado (13) dives for a ground ball in the seventh inning against the Kansas City Royals at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Baltimore Orioles won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 19, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre (29) throws to first base during the eighth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Adrian Beltre, Texas Rangers

Adrian Beltre’s Hall of Fame career has been a three-act play. He came up to the big leagues with the Dodgers as one of the most highly-touted prospect ever at the age of 19, blossomed into an MVP candidate, signed a megadeal with the Mariners, struggled, and then found a home as an elder statesman with the Texas Rangers. Signed for at least two more years, Beltre will reach 3,000 hits this season, and should top 500 home runs in 2018. That makes him a lock for the Hall.

Now entering his 20th season in the majors, Beltre is a five-time Gold Glover, four-time All-Star, and four-time Silver Slugger. He has earned MVP votes in eight separate seasons, and finished his age-37 season with a .300/.358/.521 line with 32 home runs and 104 knocked in, winning another Gold Glove in the process.

Beltre’s consistency since leaving Seattle has been impressive, with five seasons in seven with an average over .300, four 30-homer seasons, and four 100-RBI seasons. He has also embraced his role as a veteran mentor in the clubhouse, taking players like Elvis Andrus and Roughned Odor under his wing. In 2009, it appeared Beltre would end up with a good but not great career, now, he is ticketed for Cooperstown when he eventually decides to hang them up.

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