Beltre would defer salary to help Rangers add players; wants Martinez

Like most professional athletes in the lead-up to the regular season, Texas Rangers veteran third baseman Adrian Beltre has his sights set on one thing: winning.

Beltre, 38, has spent the last seven seasons with the Rangers, and he likes the team's chances heading into 2018, especially if it makes the right moves to boost the roster. He's even willing to defer part of his $18-million salary to help make it happen, according to Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

So, who does Beltre have his heart set on? None other than free-agent outfielder J.D. Martinez. While mentioning that Texas could use pitching reinforcements, Beltre also name-dropped Martinez multiple times.

The Rangers' outfield is currently projected to include Shin-Soo Choo, Nomar Mazara, Willie Calhoun, and Delino DeShields. It's a bit crowded, but Martinez - who slashed .303/.376/.690 last season - would be a potent addition to any lineup.

While many teams have kicked the tires on the idea of signing Martinez, the Boston Red Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks had been reported as his two likeliest landing spots. Martinez also reportedly had multiple five-year contract offers on the table in January, though the Rangers were not one of the teams mentioned.

The Rangers do likely need extra help to become a true contender in 2018. FanGraphs projects the current roster to finish the season with a 78-84 record, good for fourth in the American League West, and out of a playoff spot.

Beltre added that he wants to stay with the Rangers beyond 2018, and doesn't plan on retiring, though he's set to become a free agent following the season. He played in only 97 games in 2017, but featured his patented dangerous bat when he stepped to the plate, hitting .312/.383/.532 with 17 home runs and 71 RBIs.