Beltre submits contract proposal to Rangers
The Texas Rangers now have a better understanding of what it will take should they wish to retain the services of third baseman Adrian Beltre.
Entering the final year of his contract, Beltre told TR Sullivan of MLB.com on Sunday that he sent a proposal to Rangers' ownership two weeks ago and is still awaiting an answer. Sullivan added that Beltre doesn't want to negotiate during the season, but would listen if the club presented a firm offer.
It was reported last month that Beltre is seeking a three-year extension with an average annual value around $17 million, though the Rangers were said to not be willing to offer that type of money. Both sides, however, hope they can reach common ground.
| Year | GP | HR | AVG/OBP/SLG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 143 | 18 | .287/.334/.453 |
| 2014 | 148 | 19 | .324/.388/.492 |
| 2013 | 161 | 30 | .315/.371/.509 |
"I want to be on a team that wants to win, and they showed me that they want to win," Beltre said in February. "If they want me, I guess I will probably be here."
The 36-year-old is preparing for his sixth season in Texas. While injuries have forced him to miss 33 games over the past two years, he remains highly effective when in the lineup. Beltre has made three All-Star appearances, won two Gold Gloves, and finished seventh in American League MVP voting twice since joining the Rangers.