Adrian Beltre could have been involved in a playoff race this month but turned down that opportunity.
Texas Rangers GM Jon Daniels said on Monday that the team approached Beltre about a potential trade before the waiver deadline on Aug. 31, but both sides decided against it. Apparently a team reached out to the Rangers about Beltre, which led them to present the offer to him.
The Dallas Morning News’ Evan Grant speculates that the trade offer may have come from the Los Angeles Dodgers or Cleveland Indians, both of whom added right-handed third basemen before the waiver deadline.
Beltre declined the trade because he says a lot goes into moving and switching teams, and he didn’t feel like doing so. The Rangers also would not have received much in return for Beltre, so they don’t feel like they missed out on a big opportunity.
The 39-year-old is in his eighth season with the Rangers. He is batting .270 with a .716 OPS this year and has dealt with a hamstring injury. Beltre has not decided said yet whether he will play next season. Either way, he has made clear his desire to retire as a Ranger.
