Adrian Beltre just connected on hit No. 3,000 for his MLB career. Coming to bat for the Texas Rangers against the Baltimore Orioles, Beltre’s family watched from the stands as he came through with the big hit in the bottom of the fourth inning. Hit No. 3,000 for Adrian Beltre was a double, which is the 605th of his 20-year career.
Adrian Beltre’s family was allowed to come on the field where they embraced him and celebrated with all the fans in attendance. He couldn’t hold back the emotions as his family helped unveil a sign on the outfield wall that marked the occasion.
All of Texas Rangers teammates would also come on the field to congratulate him as the Orioles paid their respects by applauding from their positions.
Is Beltre a first-ballot Hall of Fame player?
Over a 20-year career with the Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, and Los Angeles Dodgers, third baseman Adrian Beltre has posted an impressive resume of statistics and awards. In addition to the 3,000 hits he now has, Beltre also has 454 home runs, 1,607 RBIs, and a career .286 batting average. At 38 years old, Beltre might not be ready to hang up the cleats just yet either.
In addition to all of the offensive accolades that Adrian Beltre has on his stat sheet, he was also one of the best defensive third basemen during his time in the league.
A five-time Gold Glove infielder, Beltre made fielding a bunt at third base an art form that impressed every baseball analyst who watched him play. He has become a rare combination of great offense and defense at the position.
What’s next for Beltre during his MLB career?
Despite another successful season for Adrian Beltre, the Texas Rangers are slipping in the Wild Card standings.
This makes it possible that the Rangers could look to trade Beltre before the MLB trade deadline on July 31, especially if a contending team is willing to make the right offer. Could the Rangers part with a player who just came through with a historical achievement while wearing the uniform?
There are a number of teams that could certainly use a hitter like Beltre and it would definitely be exciting for his fans to see him back in the postseason again.
Even if he does finish the season with the Rangers, it’s time to start talking about him deserving to go to Cooperstown on the first ballot five years after he retires. Possibly the same year that former-teammate Ichiro Suzuki is eligible for induction. Adrian Beltre is definitely one of the best third basemen to ever play the game and deserves to have his plaque on the wall of the Baseball Hall of Fame.