Adrian Beltre hasn't made up his mind about playing next season, but he does know one thing: he wants to retire a Ranger.
Texas had a chance to pursue a trade involving the 39-year-old last week, Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said Monday, according to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan, but opted not to do so after a discussion with Beltre.
"There was a situation last week that presented itself," Daniels explained. "We talked about it with Adrian. For a number of reasons, it wasn't the right fit. If he wanted to push and push for the trade, we would have honored that. To not have done that says a lot about how he feels about his teammates and fans in particular. For that piece, I am in awe."
Beltre did not reject the trade, Sullivan clarified. Instead, the veteran third baseman explained to Daniels he wanted to finish the campaign in Texas and decide about coming back to play one more season with them next year.
"The conversation we presented with Adrian with what was out there," Daniels said. "If he plays again next year, there are a million opportunities. If he chooses not to play, this could have been the last opportunity. For everything Adrian has meant for the franchise, if he wanted to pursue it, there wasn't a ton in it for us quite frankly."
Beltre signed with the Rangers in 2011 and has had quite a career with the franchise, recording 1,255 hits, 192 home runs and a .506 slugging percentage. He's also taken home two Silver Sluggers and three Gold Gloves during his time with Texas.
"I was not eager to leave this place," Beltre said. "I've been here for eight years. I've been grateful for the chance to be in the World Series and almost win it. It's not easy to just pack your things and go. There's a lot of things to be considered, and like I've said before, I'd like to retire as a Ranger."
