The Phillies are reportedly expressing interest in acquiring Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre at the deadline this year.
While Manny Machado is considered the prize of this year’s trade deadline, he isn’t the only third baseman who could be on the move. Machado is one of several high-caliber third basemen who the Phillies could acquire this year.
One name reportedly on their radar is Rangers third baseman, Adrian Beltre. Despite being in his 20th major-league season, he remains a hot commodity. Jon Morosi of MLB.com writes that Philadelphia is expressing interest in trading for him before the deadline:
"The Phillies also have interest in Beltre, sources say, as much for his professionalism as his production. The Phils have the youngest group of position players in the Majors, and team officials see long-term value in Beltre’s influence on an emerging core. Plus, the recent injury to J.P. Crawford has opened up more at-bats on the infield."
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Despite his age, Beltre would be a great acquisition. He is still posting above-average numbers with a .302/.357/.428 line and 108 wRC+ in 45 games this year. Beltre’s power isn’t quite the same as he has just three home runs, but his overall offensive production is still strong.
As Morosi mentions, part of what makes Beltre such a valuable addition is his potential influence on this team’s young core.
While he is a great example of a major-league player, he also still has plenty of fun playing. I just want a Beltre and Odubel Herrera buddy comedy.
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Beltre is also on the last year of an extension he signed back in 2016, meaning the team wouldn’t be bogged down by his $18 million salary long-term. They have more than enough money to pay the rest of his deal this year, meaning they won’t have to give up extra prospects to make the Rangers retain his salary.
Philadelphia isn’t the only team reportedly interested in Beltre. Morosi said some in the Indians front office are interested in Beltre. He played one season under current Cleveland manager Terry Francona with the Red Sox in 2010.
The biggest hurdle to any Beltre deal is the fact that he has a full no-trade clause. He would have to approve a trade to Cleveland, Philadelphia, or any other team in the league. He likely wants to play for a winning team (the Rangers are 18 games back in the AL West at 32-44), but he may choose the one that gives him the best chance to win the World Series since he never has. Unfortunately, that probably won’t be the Phillies.
Even though Beltre isn’t quite the player he used to be, he is still doing far better than any other third baseman on the team. Maikel Franco is performing about the same as he did last year with a .240/284/.409 line and -0.1 wins above replacement. This season was the time for him to show something more to keep a spot on this team, and he simply hasn’t.
J.P. Crawford had been playing third over Franco after returning from the disabled list, but he is back on it with a broken hand. He will miss four to six weeks, keeping him out almost until the deadline. By the time he comes back, Beltre could be the starting third baseman.
Since Beltre is a rental, the cost to acquire him shouldn’t be too high. As mentioned earlier, the fact that Philadelphia can retain his entire salary also drives the price down. It will still take a fairly good prospect or two, but a top guy like Sixto Sanchez won’t be on the table.
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If Philadelphia can acquire Beltre, it would go a long way to boost their offensive production this year. It won’t guarantee them a playoff spot, but it’ll keep them in the running deep into the season.