The Texas Rangers finalized a contract with free agent third baseman Adrian Beltre on Wednesday, signing him to a five-year, 80 million dollar contract with a vesting option for a sixth year. The option is worth 16 million dollars.
The Rangers, of course, failed to sign Cliff Lee, but consider Beltre a nice consolation prize.
Beltre was second in the American League in 2010 in WAR – wins above replacement – with a 7.1 WAR. Beltre trailed only American League MVP Josh Hamilton in WAR. Beltre hit .321/.365/.553 in 2010 with the Red Sox, his only year in Boston.
Beltre’s arrival in Texas means Michael Young will shift off of third base and to a super-sub and designated hitter role. Young will likely serve as Texas’ primary DH and appearing at various positions in the infield to give regulars a day off.
Beltre’s signing also likely spells the end of Vladimir Guerrero’s time in Texas, as Young is now slated to serve as the primary designated hitter.