Adrian Beltre still unsure about retirement after ‘weird day’
Adrian Beltre had mixed emotions on what may have been his final home game as a member of the Texas Rangers.
Beltre has openly contemplated retirement, stating this season that he’s not sure if he will be back next season. With that in mind, the Rangers decided to take him out in the middle of Sunday’s home finale against the Seattle Mariners to give him a moment to receive the recognition from his teammates and fans that he deserves.
An incredible scene at Globe Life Park as Adrian Beltre is removed from the game in the top of the 6th#TexasRangers | @Rangers pic.twitter.com/kCsiRqKGRG
— FOX Sports Southwest (@FOXSportsSW) September 23, 2018
According to Dallas Morning News reporter Gerry Fraley, Beltre said after the game that it was a “weird day” and that he’s thinking about not returning next season.
Adrian Beltre on what could have been his last home game with Rangers: "This is the first time I’m actually thinking of packing and maybe not coming back. That’s where it is. … Mentally, I’m ready for whatever decision I’m going to make. It was a weird day today.''
— Gerry Fraley (@gfraley) September 23, 2018
Adrian Beltre on his state of mind:" Mentally, I’m ready to accept the fact that maybe this is it. If it is not , I want to be mentally ready to go through another year of figuring out how to be productive and stay healthy. Whatever my decision, I have to be mentally ready.''
— Gerry Fraley (@gfraley) September 23, 2018
We don’t know yet whether Beltre will return for another season, but if the 39-year-old does, he says it will only be with the Rangers.