Adrian Beltre seeks 3-year extension

Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre is seeking a 3-year deal in extension talks with the club, according to a report from Jon Heyman of MLB Network. Heyman adds that Beltre is looking for a deal in the $19 million range, and that there is a significant gap in talks at the moment.

Beltre is slated to become a free agent after earning $18 million in 2016, but has expressed interest in ending his career in Texas. The Rangers have also expressed strong interest in working out an extension with the veteran, but may be hesitant to commit nearly $60 million to a player who will turn 37 in April.

Beltre hit .287 with 18 home runs in 143 games for Texas last season, and is a 4-time All-Star who has shown no signs of declining since signing with the Rangers before the 2011 season. Of course, Texas has top prospect Joey Gallo as Beltre's likely heir at third base, so the club may be willing to move on from Beltre if his asking price does not come down. If Beltre hits the open market, he will be a hot commodity for contenders looking for a strong veteran contributor on a short-term deal next winter.