Looks like if you are a Texas Rangers fan you will have either one of the two reactions to the Rangers locking up Adrian Beltre to a 2 year deal worth reportedly 36 million dollars. Either you will love this deal or you will wonder what this means to the talented third baseman in the minors and huge prospect Joey Gallo. In this post I want to look at both ends of the spectrum and give you my take as well.
First let's look at the positive side to this deal with Adrian Beltre. For the last five years Adrian has been a staple in the Rangers clubhouse and has been the quiet leader on and off the field. Many of his teammates remind us the fans of his quiet leadership when the Rangers were 8 games under .500 last year and quietly he help lead this team to the AL West title. Ultimately taking over the Houston Astros practically the last week of the season. The Rangers have been to the playoffs 3 of the 5 years he has been in uniform and at times taking the field even when his body was clearly not at 100 percent. This was the clear case last year during the first round of the playoffs when Adrian took the field with back spasms but never grumbled or complained about it instead was a quiet leader in the clubhouse. Furthermore, if you are the Texas Rangers it was a sure lock when you look at his career numbers and the milestones he could achieve in the next couple of years. In the 6 seasons with the Texas Rangers he stands at .873 OPS which is 15th among all major leaguers. He could retire a Texas Ranger with 3000 hits and 500 homeruns(his numbers in this category stand at: 2,780 hits and 415 homeruns). He is currently sitting at second in the most games played at third base at 2,449(Brooks Robinson holds the record at 2,790) that leaves Beltre at a mear 341 games behind the lead. He is by far going into the Hall of Fame with the stats that he currently sits at. Now one thing is for sure he will retire a Texas Ranger and go into the Hall of Fame as one as well.
Next let's look at the negative side of this deal. Joey Gallo a third baseman by trade and top 5 on the Rangers baseball prospect list is now being held back from getting to play the position in which he is accustomed to. Many in the industry think this could lead to Gallo being traded if a controllable pitcher becomes available. However, this would be a HUGE mistake on the Rangers part as they have watched talent like Gallo be traded before only to make the team they traded with look like geniuses. Gallo in my opinion will get more of a look in the outfield if Ian Desmond does not find his bat and find it quickly. Now that Mazara and Nicolas are in the majors and making big hits in each and every opportunity this truly opens the door for Gallo to be called up as an outfielder with anymore lack of play from either Mazara or Desmond. I want to trust that the Rangers front office and Jon Daniels will make the right decision here and stick with Gallo. However, this is something I feel strongly will happen and Gallo will NOT be a Texas Ranger by the trade deadline. Joey Gallo is a power hitter and with power hitters you get high strikeout rates and maybe a change of scenery would help speed up his major league arrival. In my two cents, I say you stick with Gallo. Beltre will NOT hold up for the entire two years of the contract and you can shift him to DH if/when the time arrives and give Gallo the everyday reigns of third base. Not only getting Beltre to mentor Gallo but to season him to be one of the best third basemen in the game. It's a win/win!
In conclusion, this looks to be a good deal for the Texas Rangers and Adrian Beltre. However, I reserve the right to say over the course of 2 seasons is he really worth 18 million? If you look at his stats and what he has done for the Texas Rangers in his first 5 seasons of the Texas Rangers it becomes a no brainer. So Texas Rangers fans tighten your belts as Adrian Beltre gets you ready for the ride of your life into the sunset of the Hall of Fame.