The Texas Rangers picked up Adrian Beltre's vesting option for the 2016 season before the 2015 season even began. This spurred rumors about the third baseman's future with the MLB club, as he previously expressed he wants to retire as a member of the organization.
The latest findings suggest that could be the case.
In another discussion with FOX Sports' Jon Morosi, agent Scott Boras shed some light on Beltre's contractual situation with the Rangers.
"I think Adrian already had a discussion with them, in which he expressed a desire to stay," Boras told Morosi. "They want him there, and we're going to work on that."
"When asked whether a deal is possible before Opening Day, Boras replied, 'I'd say there are certainly grounds for a discussion of advancing Adrian's contract, yes.'"
In January, Beltre told T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com that he's "confident with the way everything is going" and "there is no reason why I don't want to stay here." Back in December it was reported that general manager Jon Daniels expressed interest in extending the veteran beyond 2016, which is his final year under contract before free agency.
Beltre, 36, has spent the last five seasons in Texas and those could easily be characterized as the best years of his career. The slugger owns a .309/.358/.514 stat line with 427 runs scored, 135 home runs and 459 RBI in 732 games and has also captured two Silver Slugger and Gold Glove awards over that span.
The four-time All-Star figures to be a future Hall of Famer and it's clear the Rangers hope he retires with them to end that chapter properly. Even with top prospect third baseman Joey Gallo knocking at the door, Beltre has shown he has more in the tank after putting up formidable numbers in 2015 as he dealt with a number of injuries.
The Rangers want Beltre and Beltre wants to stay with the Rangers. It's only a matter of time before this contract extension is official.
