Beltre signs on for Series goal, helps Rangers rally past Orioles

Adrian Beltre isn’t going anywhere. Two more years were added Saturday to his Texas Rangers contract, taking the third baseman to age 39, to his 21st season in the majors and possibly into retirement.

Ultimately, the Rangers put aside his age and years in the game and the threat that a decline is on the horizon. They believe that the player who has been their third baseman since 2011 is one of the best players in the game, and the leadership qualities and impact on the clubhouse are cherished by the Rangers, too.

So, general manager Jon Daniels made sure that Beltre can’t become a free agent after the season with a $36 million deal that locks him up through 2018. Beltre had to want to stay, and he did and he does because he firmly believes the Rangers can help him accomplish the only goal he has left.

“Since the beginning, since I’ve been here, this team has been competitive and given me a chance to win the World Series,” Beltre said. “We’ve been close, and since I got here JD promised we’re going to have a team to win. So far, it’s been good.”

The move is wildly popular with his teammates, who had started to ask him about his contract status. That was the last thing Beltre wanted, for the extension to become a distraction.

Daniels said that the decision to offer the extension was an easy one, with the initial offer made in March. The Rangers don’t see a player on the decline, and don’t consider Beltre to be a roadblock for top prospect Joey Gallo.

Also a third baseman, the power-hitting Gallo showed last year that he can play left field and he has also played first base in the minors. He could be an option there if the Rangers opt to not re-sign Mitch Moreland.

“As far as today, no change, no impact,” Daniels said. “This is about locking up what feel feel is one of the best players in the game. Joey’s got a ton of ability, a ton of talent, and is still very much in our plans.”

Beltre continues to build on an impressive resume for the Hall of Fame as one of the game’s all-time greats at third base. It’s not just a longevity thing, though he will tell that it is as he humbly pushes away the spotlight.

Now with nearly three full seasons left with the Rangers, it seems certain that he will collect his 3,000th hit and 450th home run with them at some point next season and possibly get to 1,700 RBIs before the contract expires.

Of course, he will have to avoid injury to keep piling up the numbers, something that gets tougher as players get older. Just last season Beltre spent time on the disabled list with a thumb injury and missed time in the postseason with a back strain.

The health of his legs is an annual concern.

Whatever, Beltre said.

“I feel like I’m 25 right now,” the 37-year-old said. “Age is a number. I don’t feel 37 at all. I have not doubt that the motivation is there. The motivation to win is always there. The challenge to try to beat the other team is always there.

“When it gets to the point where I’m not at that level, then I think about contemplating my retirement. But right now I feel great.”

Beltre was in the lineup Saturday for the 13th consecutive game to open the season, batting fourth and driving in a first-inning run with a sacrifice fly. He entered the third of four games against Baltimore with a .283 batting average, two homers and nine RBIs, and was the American League leader in multiple defensive categories.

His play so far in the field has been flawless.

“He can plan, man,” shortstop Elvis Andrus said. “I think he’s ageless, actually.”

Beltre is also ring-less, at least when it comes to the game’s top team prize. He came close with the Rangers in 2011, as the were two outs away in Game 6 from the first World Series title in franchise history.

He has been to the playoffs three times with the Rangers and believes more appearances and another chance at a world championship are possible the next three seasons.

That’s why he agreed to a contract extension that will keep him put through 2018.

“I think what we have what it takes this year to do it,” Beltre said. “I think we have a better team than we did last year. We won the West. Once we’re in the playoffs, we believe we can beat anybody. The core players that we have, that’s good enough. I know our division is strong, but as of right now I believe we’re the team to beat in the West. So, why not?”

This story was originally published April 16, 2016 at 8:20 PM with the headline "Beltre signs on for Series goal, helps Rangers rally past Orioles."