Texas Rangers Sign 3B Adrian Beltre to Multi-Year Deal; Michael Young to DH, Super Utility

Losing out on Cliff Lee was a big thing for the Texas Rangers; however, they quickly recovered and have signed a couple pitchers in the meantime.  Talks also started about the Texas Rangers being interested in third baseman Adrian Beltre, who became a free agent at the end of the 2010 MLB season after playing with the Boston Red Sox.

Talks were said to have started at the Winter Meetings, which were held in Florida at the beginning of December. Regardless of when the talks started, the Rangers were able to show Beltre that they had what it take to make it to the World Series again because they have inked him to a five-year deal with a sixth year option.

The Texas Rangers have come to terms with Adrian Beltre for a six-year contract worth $96 million; however, there are stipulations in the contract regarding the sixth year. Should Beltre not make 1,200 plate appearances during the 2014-2015 MLB season OR at least 600 appearances at the plate in 2015 then the Rangers have the right to void the sixth year. I am sure he will not have a problem making his plate appearances and with the depth that he can add to the team – both offensively and defensively – I don’t think the Rangers are going to want him to go anywhere.

The contract will pay Beltre $14 million for his first year with the Rangers in 2011 then for the following years leading up to 2016 respectively, $15 million, $16 million, $17 million, $18 million and $16 million.

With the deal done, where will Michael Young, the former third baseman for the Rangers prior to the completed deal with Beltre, go?

Well, this was a concern and the Rangers spoke with Young about it before proceeding with Beltre. Young wanted to stay at third base, as this will be his fourth move in his career with the Rangers, but he was willing to do whatever it took to improve the team as a whole. As of now, Young will be the DH, meaning that there is no longer a need for re-signing Vladimir Guerrero, the former DH for the Rangers, and the former third baseman, second baseman and shortstop, may also be a super utility for the infield. Seeing as how Young has played every infield position apart from first base, the man would be a great utility.

Young is all about doing what the team needs to improve as this wouldn’t be the first time that he has made a position move in order to make room for another player and improve the team. While many believe Young would have been better off being traded, I think he’s going to prove to be a great DH – sure, he has little pop, but if he can learn how to play all those other infield positions just to better himself for the team then he can do it in this position as well.

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