SportsDayDFW.com and Dallas Morning News baseball writer Evan Grant tweets that it's likely that the Rangers will sign free agent third baseman Adrian Beltre.
Grant tweeted: "Seems inevitable now Adrian Beltre will agree with Rangers for 5 years, plus vesting option for 6th. May be down to final contract details."
FoxSports.com and MLB.com reported a deal is close between the two sides. The deal will likely be in the $16 million range per year. With a possible sixth year, that could bring the deal into the $90-100 million range.
The Rangers have had negotiations with Scott Boras, Beltre's agent, over the past few days to close the deal.
Signing Beltre would deal a blow to the Angels, the Rangers' main competition in the AL West.
Michael Young, a six-time All-Star and the club's all-time hits leader, has played third the past two seasons. He said Monday that he would move positions to stay with Texas.
Beltre, 31, is a better defender than Young, 34, and hits for more power. Beltre had one of his finest seasons in 2010 for Boston, hitting .321 with 28 homers, 102 RBIs and league-best 49 doubles.
He also fills the Rangers' desire for a right-handed power bat to slot behind No. 3 hitter Josh Hamilton. Vladimir Guerrero, now a free agent, filled that role last year as DH.
The addition of Beltre would push Young to DH or first base.
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