Adrián Beltré

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = Adrián Beltré

|image = Adrián Beltré in 2017 (35197724614).jpg

|image_size = 270

|caption = Beltré with the Texas Rangers in 2017

|position = Third baseman

|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1979|4|7}}

|birth_place = Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

|bats = Right

|throws = Right

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = June 24

|debutyear = 1998

|debutteam = Los Angeles Dodgers

|finalleague = MLB

|finaldate = September 30

|finalyear = 2018

|finalteam = Texas Rangers

|statleague = MLB

|stat1label = Batting average

|stat1value = .286

|stat2label = Hits

|stat2value = 3,166

|stat3label = Home runs

|stat3value = 477

|stat4label = Runs batted in

|stat4value = 1,707

|teams =

Los Angeles Dodgers ({{mlby|1998}}–{{mlby|2004}})
Seattle Mariners ({{mlby|2005}}–{{mlby|2009}})
Boston Red Sox ({{mlby|2010}})
Texas Rangers ({{mlby|2011}}–{{mlby|2018}})

|awards =

4× All-Star (2010–2012, 2014)
5× Gold Glove Award (2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2016)
4× Silver Slugger Award (2004, 2010, 2011, 2014)
NL home run leader (2004)
Texas Rangers No. 29 retired
Texas Rangers Hall of Fame

|hoflink = National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

|hoftype = National

|hofdate = 2024

|hofvote = 95.1% (first ballot)

}}

Adrián Beltré Pérez (born April 7, 1979) is a Dominican former professional baseball third baseman. During his career, Beltré played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, and Texas Rangers in Major League Baseball (MLB). He is regarded as one of the greatest third basemen of all time.

Originally signed as an amateur free agent, Beltré made his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1998 at age 19. He batted and threw right-handed. Beltré hit a major league-leading 48 home runs while playing for the Dodgers in 2004, was the team MVP of the Red Sox in 2010, played in the 2011 World Series as a member of the Rangers, and tied for the major league lead in hits in 2013. On September 19, 2014, Beltré surpassed Vladimir Guerrero as the all-time MLB leader for hits by a Dominican player, a record since broken by Albert Pujols in 2019. On July 30, 2017, he became the 31st player in MLB history to reach 3,000 hits and the first Dominican player to achieve that milestone. Beltré retired following the 2018 season with 3,166 career hits, 477 home runs, and 1,707 runs batted in. He hit for the cycle three times in his career (2008, 2012, 2015), making him one of six players to do so in MLB history.

Having played 21 major league seasons and won the Rawlings Gold Glove Award five times, Beltré is notable for his defensive prowess and career longevity as well as his power hitting. He played in four MLB All-Star Games and won the Silver Slugger Award four times. Upon his retirement, Beltré was the only third baseman in history with both 3,000 career hits and 400 home runs. According to Baseball Reference, Beltré is also the third baseman with the third-highest WAR all time.{{Cite web |title=Third Base JAWS Leaders |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/jaws_3B.shtml |access-date=January 24, 2024 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} He retired as the all-time leader amongst third basemen in career hits and RBIs, and ranked third in home runs amongst third basemen. He is also the fifth major-leaguer to have hit at least 100 home runs for three different teams. In 2024, Beltré was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

Early life

Beltré was born on April 7, 1979, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.{{Cite web| url= https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/beltrad01.shtml|title=Adrian Beltre Stats| website= Baseball-Reference.com}} He attended Liceo Máximo Gómez High School.

While working out at Campo Las Palmas in 1994, a Los Angeles Dodgers facility — one of the first of its kind for a Major League Baseball (MLB) team in the Dominican Republic — Beltré was spotted by scouts Ralph Avila and Pablo Peguero. Though only 15 years old and weighing {{cvt|130|lbs}}, Beltré featured a quick swing and live throwing arm. On the insistence of Avila and Peguero, the Dodgers signed him in July 1994 with a $23,000 signing bonus.{{cite book | authorlink= Dayn Perry| first= Dayn | last= Perry | chapter = Do Players Perform Better in Contract Years?| title= Baseball Between the Numbers: Why Everything You Know About the Game is Wrong| place= New York| publisher = Basic Books and Baseball Prospectus| year= 2005| pages= 200–01| isbn=}}

Professional career

=Los Angeles Dodgers (1998–2004)=

Beltré was a highly touted prospect when he began his major league career.{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/adrian-beltre-just-keeps-getting-better-with-age-1500921906|title=Adrian Beltre Just Keeps Getting Better With Age|first=Jared|last=Diamond|newspaper=Wall Street Journal |date=July 24, 2017|via=www.wsj.com}} After being called up to the majors from the then-Dodgers' double-A affiliate San Antonio Missions, Beltré made his major league debut on June 24, 1998, starting at third base in the first game of an interleague series against the Anaheim Angels. At the time, he was the youngest player in the National League (NL).{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/beltrad01.shtml |title=Adrián Beltré Statistics and History |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=October 3, 2011}} During his first at-bat, Beltré hit a two-out run batted in (RBI) double off Angels starter Chuck Finley into left field to score Paul Konerko from second base to tie the game. Beltré hit his first home run six days later against Texas Rangers starter Rick Helling. At the end of the 1998 season, Beltré finished with 13 errors at third base while batting .215 with seven home runs.

At one point in the spring training prior to the start of the 1999 season, Beltré's agent, Scott Boras, commented to him that "he couldn't believe" his relatively rapid ascent to the majors and handling of "such a difficult position like third base" at age 20. Beltré replied that he was 19 years old, not 20. Boras then realized that Beltré's date of birth in the Dodgers' records was incorrect and indicated the same to the team, but, that if they were to correct the mistake by compensating Beltré for signing him at younger than MLB's allowable age, they would no longer pursue the issue. Team personnel at Las Palmas denied Boras' assertion.{{cite news |last=Arangure |first=Jorge Jr. |url=http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/87098954/adrian-beltre-dominican-republic-baseball-amateur-signings |title=Age of innocence |work=Sports on Earth |date=July 31, 2014 |access-date=September 9, 2016}} As a result, Boras and Beltré went public. Boras convinced Commissioner of Baseball Bud Selig to investigate the Dodgers, and Major League Baseball suspended their scouting operations in the Dominican Republic for one year, as well as Avila and Peguero. Dodgers general manager Fred Claire, whom MLB did not contact during their investigation, publicly expressed surprise and that he was unaware of the incident. Selig awarded Beltré $48,500 in damages.{{cite news |last=Chass |first=Murray |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/12/22/sports/baseball-dodgers-get-to-keep-beltre-but-are-penalized.html |title=Dodgers get to keep Beltre, but are penalized |date= December 22, 1999 |access-date=September 9, 2016 |work=The New York Times}}

In 2004, Beltré had a breakout season in which he established a number of career highs, including leading MLB with 48 home runs. Other career highs included batting .334, 200 hits, 121 RBI, 104 runs scored, .629 slugging percentage, and a then-career high 32 doubles. He finished second in voting for the NL Most Valuable Player Award (MVP) and was honored with his first career Silver Slugger Award and the Babe Ruth Home Run Award.At the following webpage, scroll down to "The Babe Ruth Homerun Award". {{cite web |title=06 Fan Stories: Ultimate Babe Ruth Fans |work=BabeRuthCentral.com |publisher=Babe Ruth Central |url=http://www.baberuthcentral.com/Fan%20Stories#HomeRun |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110915121619/http://baberuthcentral.com/Fan%20Stories/#HomeRun |archive-date=September 15, 2011 |url-status=dead }}

=Seattle Mariners (2005–2009)=

File:Beltre1.JPG

The Seattle Mariners signed Beltré as a free agent before the 2005 season to a five-year, $64 million deal.{{cite news |title=Beltre gets 5-year deal day after Sexson signs |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=1947751 |access-date=March 2, 2015 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=December 16, 2004}} Regressing to his pre-2004 form, he batted just .255 with 19 home runs and 87 RBI. Manager Mike Hargrove did not give up hope on Beltré, saying, "I think it's a season that, personally, he's disappointed in. I think it was a year that he will improve on the longer he's here and the longer he's in the American League."{{citation needed|date=October 2021}}

File:AdrianBeltreThrowing.jpg

After Beltré batted .167 through April 10, Ted Miller of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer wrote that he might become one of the Mariners' greatest busts.{{cite news |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/miller/266099_miller10.html |title=Beltre on brink of being a bust |last=Miller |first=Ted |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=April 10, 2006 |access-date=April 8, 2007}} He hit his first home run on April 29, raising his average to .198, and continued to improve his performance, batting .281 with 24 home runs the rest of the season.{{Cite web |title=Adrian Beltré 2006 Batting Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=beltrad01&t=b&year=2006 |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} On July 23, against the Boston Red Sox, Beltré hit an inside-the-park home run, the first one ever in Safeco Field history.{{cite news |last1=Thiel |first1=Art |title=Slapstick home run livens up Safeco lore|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/sports/article/Slapstick-home-run-livens-up-Safeco-lore-1209700.php |access-date=March 2, 2015 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=July 23, 2006}}

Though it was not a great season for Beltré, it was statistically his best as a Mariner. He hit .276 and had 26 home runs, 99 RBI, and 41 doubles. He also won a Fielding Bible Award for being the top MLB defensive third baseman during the year.{{cite news |title=The 2006 Fielding Bible Awards |url=http://www.billjamesonline.net/fieldingbible/the-2006-winners.asp |work=The Fielding Bible |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101110080140/http://www.billjamesonline.net/fieldingbible/the-2006-winners.asp |archive-date=November 10, 2010 |access-date=November 17, 2010 |url-status=dead}}

The 2007 season was not one of Beltré's better defensive years statistically. He tied with Brandon Inge for the AL lead in errors by a third baseman, with 18, but ranked second in the league in assists, total chances, and range factor. He had the lowest fielding percentage of all third basemen in the league at .958.[http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20071107/SPORTS/711070102/1004 Seattle's Suzuki and Beltre win Gold Gloves] HeraldNet.com[https://www.espn.com/mlb/stats/fielding?groupId=7&sortColumn=fieldingPct&sortOrder=true&split=81&qualified=null&season=2007&seasonType=2 MLB Player Fielding Stats – As 1B – 2011] ESPN In spite of leading third basemen in errors, Beltré was selected for his first Rawlings Gold Glove Award, becoming the first Mariners third baseman to win the award.{{cite news |author=MLB Advanced Media |author-link=Major League Baseball Advanced Media |url=http://houston.astros.mlb.com/content/printer_friendly/sea/y2007/m11/d06/c2294325.jsp |title=Ichiro Suzuki and Adrian Beltre win American League Gold Glove Awards |work=MLB.com |date=November 6, 2007 |access-date=September 4, 2016 |archive-date=September 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913192351/http://houston.astros.mlb.com/content/printer_friendly/sea/y2007/m11/d06/c2294325.jsp |url-status=dead }}

On September 1, Beltré hit for the cycle,{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/TEX/TEX200809010.shtml |title=September 1, 2008 Seattle Mariners at Texas Rangers Play by Play and Box Score |work=Baseball-Reference.com}} becoming the fourth Mariner to do so. Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Stephen Drew hit for the cycle that day as well, the first time two players had done so since 1920.{{cite news|last1=Street|first1=Jim|title=Beltre hits for cycle against Rangers|url=http://m.mariners.mlb.com/news/article/3404195/|access-date=March 2, 2015|work=MLB.com|date=September 2, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402154944/http://m.mariners.mlb.com/news/article/3404195/|archive-date=April 2, 2015|url-status=dead}} Beltré won his second Fielding Bible Award that year.{{cite web|title=The 2008 Awards |url=http://www.billjamesonline.net/fieldingbible/the-2008-winners.asp |publisher=The Fielding Bible |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101111062247/http://www.billjamesonline.net/fieldingbible/the-2008-winners.asp |archive-date=November 11, 2010 |access-date=November 17, 2010 |url-status=dead }}

Beltré's decision not to wear a cup despite playing third base has been well-documented.{{cite web |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080224&content_id=2387105&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea&partnered=rss_sea |title=Beltre giving it another go for the gold |last=Street |first=Jim |work=MLB.com |date=February 24, 2008 |access-date=February 24, 2008}} This came back to hurt him on August 12, 2009, when he took a hard ground ball to the groin.{{cite news |last1=Spratt |first1=Gerry |title=Update: Beltre could be out for season with testicle injury |url=http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlesports/2009/08/13/update-beltre-could-be-out-for-season-with-testicle-injury/ |access-date=March 2, 2015 |work=Seattle Post Intelligencer |date=August 13, 2009}}{{cite news |last1=Baker |first1=Geoff |title=Adrian Beltre to DL, could be lost for season with injured testicle |url=http://blogs.seattletimes.com/mariners/2009/08/13/adrian_beltre_to_dl_could_be_l/ |access-date=March 2, 2015 |work=Seattle Times |date=August 13, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402094123/http://blogs.seattletimes.com/mariners/2009/08/13/adrian_beltre_to_dl_could_be_l/ |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |url-status=dead}} Although he stayed in for the remainder of the 14-inning victory, he was put on the 15-day disabled list (DL) after suffering bleeding in one of his testicles.{{cite news |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/08/13/mariner.beltre.ap/index.html |title=Adrian Beltre could be out for the season with injured testicle |date=August 13, 2009 |agency=Associated Press |access-date=August 13, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090817143848/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/08/13/mariner.beltre.ap/index.html |archive-date=August 17, 2009 }} In his first game after returning from the DL, teammate Ken Griffey Jr. conspired with those responsible for the Safeco Field public address system to have Beltré's at-bat intro music be the opening march from The Nutcracker Suite.{{cite news |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/marinersblog/2009788119_los_angeles_angels_at_seattle_2.html |title=Los Angeles Angels at Seattle Mariners: 09/01 game thread |date=September 1, 2009 |work=Seattle Times |access-date=September 1, 2009 |first=Geoff |last=Baker}}

File:IMG 0349 Adrián Beltré.jpg in 2010.]]

Beltré declared free agency on November 5, 2009.{{cite news |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/thehotstoneleague/2010211878_beltre_sweeney_file_for_free_a.html |title=Beltre, Sweeney file for free agency |date=October 5, 2009 |work=Seattle Times |access-date=October 5, 2009 |first=Larry|last=Stone| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091108033108/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/thehotstoneleague/2010211878_beltre_sweeney_file_for_free_a.html| archive-date= November 8, 2009 | url-status= live}}

=Boston Red Sox (2010)=

On January 7, 2010, Beltré signed a one-year, $9 million deal with the Boston Red Sox. The contract had a $5 million player option for 2011 with a $1 million buyout.{{cite web|author =Ian Browne |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100107&content_id=7888792&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=Beltre Boston-bound with deal complete |publisher=MLB |access-date=October 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601012358/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/7888792 |archive-date=June 1, 2016}}

While Beltré's career before coming to the Red Sox had been regarded as somewhat disappointing, he hit .321 with 28 homers and 49 doubles in 2010, benefiting from the hitter-friendly Fenway Park. Beltré led the Red Sox in batting average and tied David Ortiz for the team lead in RBIs (102). Beltré led the Majors in doubles with 49 (also a career-high). He also finished fourth in the AL in batting average, and was fifth in the AL in total bases (326) and slugging percentage (.553). He also had two stolen bases on the year, and finished ninth in the MVP voting.{{Cite web |date=2010-11-23 |title=Hamilton wins MVP; Beltre finishes 9th |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/boston/red-sox/post/_/id/7095/hamilton-wins-beltre-finishes-ninth-in-mvp-voting |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}

=Texas Rangers (2011–2018)=

On January 5, 2011, Beltré signed a five-year, $80 million contract with the Texas Rangers. He played with the Rangers for eight years until his retirement in 2018.{{Cite news |last=Hoffman |first=Benjamin |date=November 20, 2018 |title=Adrian Beltre Was the All-Time Great You Failed to Notice |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/20/sports/adrian-beltre-retired.html |work=The New York Times}} Beltré's statistics improved when he was in his thirties.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2018/11/20/adrian-beltre-s-legacy-what-you-might-ve-misunderstood-about-him-and-what-he-best-exemplified-to-rangers-teammates/|title=Adrian Beltre's legacy: What you might've misunderstood about him and what he best exemplified to Rangers teammates|date=November 20, 2018|website=Dallas News}} While he had previously played in pitcher-friendly ballparks in Los Angeles and Seattle, the Rangers' ballpark was known as a hitter-friendly environment. The Wall Street Journal described Beltré's Rangers tenure as "nothing short of brilliant".

==2011==

File:Adrián Beltré 2011 (1).jpg

Beltré was on the 2011 American League All-Star team. On July 22, Beltré strained his hamstring and was also placed on the DL. On September 4, he singled to right for his 2,000th career hit. On September 11, Beltré hit two home runs, including the 300th of his career, against the Oakland Athletics. He was named the AL Player of the Month for September.{{cite web |last=Grant |first=Evan |url=http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/texas-rangers/rangers/2016/09/01/september-means-adrian-beltre-will-probably-superhuman-like-things-feast-pitchers |title=It's September, which means Adrian Beltre will probably do superhuman-like things, feast on pitchers |work=The Dallas Morning News SportDay |date=September 1, 2016 |access-date=September 4, 2016}}

In 2011, Beltré batted .296 with 32 home runs, fifth in the AL. He was third in the American League in slugging percentage (.561), sixth in RBIs (105), and ninth in OPS (.892). The Fielding Bible said he saved 17 runs on defense in 2011.{{cite web|title=The 2011 Awards |url=http://fieldingbible.com/the-winners.asp |work=The Fielding Bible |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111102034331/http://www.fieldingbible.com/the-winners.asp |archive-date=November 2, 2011 |url-status=dead }}

On October 4, in Game 4 of the ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays, Beltré became the sixth player—the first in a Division Series—to hit three home runs in a Major League playoff game.{{cite news |last=De Nicola |first=Christina |url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/25486690// |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910020422/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/25486690 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 10, 2015 |title=Performer of the Game: Texas slugger Beltre |work=MLB.com |date=October 4, 2011 |access-date=October 4, 2011}}{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=311004130 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006154017/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=311004130 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 6, 2011 |title=Texas Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Rays |work=ESPN.com |date=October 4, 2011 |access-date=October 15, 2011}}

Beltré played in the World Series with the Rangers.{{Cite web |last=Sullivan |first=T.R. |date=2018-11-20 |title=Adrian Beltre announces retirement |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/adrian-beltre-announces-retirement-c300949902 |access-date=2025-01-18 |website=MLB.com}} He added a fourth playoff home run in Game 5 of the World Series when he went down to one knee chasing an outside curve ball from Chris Carpenter.{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/si_vault/media/slideshow?url=pic.twitter.com%2Fx27SgsVB |title=Adrian Beltre hits a home run off one knee during last night's game |website=Twitter |date=October 24, 2011}}{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/26/sports/baseball/adrian-beltres-unique-home-run-swing-set-up-rangers-comeback.html |work=The New York Times |first=Tom |last=Spousta |title=Adrian Beltre's unique home run swing set up Rangers' comeback |date=October 25, 2011}} The St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Rangers in seven games.{{cite web |last=Fraley |first=Gerry |url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/texas-rangers/headlines/20111029-fraley-on-short-rest-chris-carpenter-delivers-like-ace-he-is.ece |title=On short rest, Chris Carpenter delivers like ace he is |work=The Dallas Morning News |date=October 29, 2011 |access-date=August 17, 2014}}

More recognition was bestowed on Beltré for his defense. On November 1, he was honored with his third Gold Glove Award and first by a Ranger third baseman since Buddy Bell's six-year run from 1979 to 1984.{{cite web |last=Durrett |first=Richard |title=Adrian Beltre proud of third Gold Glove |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/dallas/texas-rangers/post/_/id/4875774/adrian-beltre-proud-of-third-gold-glove |work=ESPN.com |access-date=November 2, 2011 |date=November 1, 2011}} He also won his third Fielding Bible Award. On November 2, he was awarded the Silver Slugger Award.{{cite web|last=Schroeder|first=Scott|title=2011 Silver Slugger Award Winners Includes Detroit Tigers' Alex Avila, Not Miguel Cabrera |url=http://detroit.sbnation.com/detroit-tigers/2011/11/2/2534030/2011-silver-slugger-award-winners-includes-alexis-avila-tigers|work=SB Nation|access-date=November 2, 2011|date=November 2, 2011}}

==2012==

Beltré was once again voted an to the All-Star Game starter, along with teammates Josh Hamilton and Mike Napoli. It was Beltré's third All-Star Game and third in a row dating back to 2010 with Boston.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/beltrad01-bat.shtml |title=Adrián Beltré batting statistics and history |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=January 21, 2014}}{{cite news |author=Sporting News |url=http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2012/07/all-star_game_2012_mlb_unveils.html |title=All-Star Game 2012: MLB unveils rosters for AL, NL squads |work=Cleveland Plain Dealer |date=July 1, 2012 |access-date=September 3, 2016}}

On August 22, against the Baltimore Orioles, Beltré hit three home runs in his first three at-bats, including two in the same inning. He joined Pablo Sandoval, Albert Pujols, George Brett, Reggie Jackson, and Babe Ruth as the only players to hit a three-homer game in both the regular season and the postseason.{{cite news |first=Richard |last=Durrett |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/dallas/texas-rangers/post/_/id/4890539/adrian-beltre-named-al-player-of-the-week |title=Adrián Beltré named Player of the Week |work=ESPN Dallas |date=August 27, 2012 |access-date=January 21, 2014}} On August 24, he hit for the cycle for the second time in his career. Both of his cycles came at Rangers Ballpark. With his first coming as a member of the Mariners, it was the first time in MLB history that a player had hit for the cycle more than once at the same stadium.{{cite web |url=http://cleatreport.com/tag/hitting-for-the-cycle/ |title=Hitting for the Cycle |work=The Cleat Report |access-date=September 5, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906063549/http://cleatreport.com/tag/hitting-for-the-cycle/ |archive-date=September 6, 2014 |url-status=dead }} He joined Joe DiMaggio as the only two players in big league history to have a three-homer game and a cycle in the same week. For his efforts, Beltré was named the AL Player of the Week for August 20–26. During the seven games he hit .433 (13-for-30) with three doubles, one triple, five home runs, nine RBI and seven runs scored. He had the highest slugging percentage (1.100) in the majors, the most total bases (33), was tied for first in hits and home runs, and tied for second in RBI.

After the season, Beltré won more defensive accolades. He won his second consecutive Fielding Bible Award and fourth overall.{{cite web|title=The 2012 Awards |date=October 25, 2012 |url=http://www.actasports.com/stats_detail/?StatId=345 |work=ACTA Sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121027035418/http://www.actasports.com/stats_detail/?StatId=345 |archive-date=October 27, 2012 |url-status=dead }} He was won the Gold Glove Award on October 30{{cite web |last=Sullivan |first=T. R. |url=http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121030&content_id=40129700&vkey=news_tex&c_id=tex |title=Adrian Beltre reels in fourth career Gold Glove |work=MLB.com |date=October 30, 2012 |access-date=January 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201201156/http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121030&content_id=40129700&vkey=news_tex&c_id=tex |archive-date=February 1, 2014 |url-status=dead }} and second Platinum Glove Award.{{cite web |author=MLB Press Release |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/rangers-3b-adrian-beltre-wins-2012-al-rawlings-platinum-glove-award/c-40258660 |title=Rangers 3B Adrian Beltre wins 2012 AL Rawlings Platinum Glove Award |work=MLB.com |date=November 20, 2012 |access-date=September 3, 2016}} Wilson Sporting Goods honored him as one of their Defensive Players of the Year; in that year the award was established.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/wilson_def_player.shtml |title=Wilson Defensive Players of the Year |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 3, 2016}}

==2013==

File:Adrian Beltre Minute Maid Park August 30 2014.jpg

The Rangers organization named Beltré the team captain in 2013.{{cite news |last=McCullough|first=Andy|title=To Dodgers, Adrian Beltre is the Hall of Famer who got away |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/la-sp-adrian-beltre-dodgers-20180612-htmlstory.html |access-date=March 30, 2022 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=June 12, 2018}}

Beltré was named the AL Player of the Week for July 1–7. He batted .478 (11-for-23) with four home runs, two doubles and five RBI in six games. He led the American League in home runs, slugging (1.087), OPS (1.607), total bases (25), and extra-base hits (six) while producing the fourth-highest batting average. Beltré hit safely in all six games with two or more hits four times. He had the 24th multi-homer game of his career with a pair of home runs on July 4 against Seattle.{{cite web |last=Grant |first=Evan |url=http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/2013/07/rangers-adrian-beltre-named-american-league-player-of-the-week.html/ |title=Rangers' Adrian Beltre named American League player of the week |work=The Dallas Morning News |date=July 8, 2013 |access-date=January 21, 2014}}

Maintaining his strong hitting throughout July, Beltré was named the AL Player of the Month, his fourth career monthly award. He batted .369 with four doubles, nine homers, 19 RBI, and 13 runs scored over 26 games. He tied for the major league monthly lead in home runs with Alfonso Soriano and total bases with Torii Hunter (69). Beltré also was among the AL leaders in slugging percentage (second, .670), hits (tied for second, 38), extra-base hits (tied for fourth, 13), RBI (tied for fifth) and batting average (sixth). He capped off the month with a walk-off home run to lead the Rangers past the Angels on July 31, the seventh walk-off home run of his career and first with Texas. It was his third monthly award with Texas, making him one of seven players to win multiple times with the Rangers, including Josh Hamilton (four), Rafael Palmeiro, Alex Rodriguez (both with three), Iván Rodríguez, Juan González and Rubén Sierra (two each).{{cite web |last=Berry |first=Adam |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130805&content_id=55974858&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |title=Hot-hitting Beltré wins AL Player of Month |work=MLB.com |date=August 5, 2013 |access-date=January 21, 2014}}

For the season, Beltré played in 161 games and totaled a .315 average, 30 homers, 92 RBI and .509 slugging percentage. He led the AL with 199 hits and was fourth in batting average and fifth in total bases (321). He also made the top-10 in games played, slugging percentage and home runs. In the AL MVP voting, he was tied for seventh place. The Dallas–Fort Worth chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America named Beltré the Texas Rangers Player of the Year.{{cite news |last=Durrett |first=Richard |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/dallas/texas-rangers/post/_/id/4906825/awards-adrian-beltre-is-player-of-the-year |title=Awards: Adrian Beltre is player of the year |work=ESPN.com |date=November 19, 2013 |access-date=September 4, 2016}}

==2014==

On May 7, while facing Jorge de la Rosa of the Colorado Rockies, Beltré hit his 100th home run as a member of the Rangers, becoming only the fifth player in major league history to hit 100 home runs with three teams. He joined Darrell Evans, Reggie Jackson, Alex Rodriguez, and Jim Thome.{{cite news |last=Sullivan |first=T. R. |url=http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/news/article/tex/adrian-beltre-belts-100th-homer-as-a-ranger?ymd=20140507&content_id=74729806&vkey=news_tex |title=Beltre belts 100th homer as a Ranger: Third baseman joins four others to reach century mark with three teams |work=MLB.com |date=May 7, 2014 |access-date=August 27, 2014 |archive-date=May 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508182630/http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/news/article/tex/adrian-beltre-belts-100th-homer-as-a-ranger?ymd=20140507&content_id=74729806&vkey=news_tex |url-status=dead }} On June 24, Beltré singled off Drew Smyly of the Detroit Tigers for his 2,500th career hit, and the first hit of a 4-for-4 game.{{cite news |last=Sullivan |first=T. R. |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/adrian-beltre-raps-2500th-career-hit?ymd=20140624&content_id=81427320&vkey=news_mlb |title=Beltre raps 2,500th career hit |work=MLB.com |date=June 24, 2014 |access-date=June 25, 2014}} On September 18, Beltré singled off Sonny Gray in the first inning for his 2,591st hit, surpassing Vladimir Guerrero as the all-time hit leader among Dominican-born players.{{cite news |last=Axisa |first=Mike |url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/24715926/adrian-beltre-becomes-all-time-hits-leader-among-dominican-born-players |title=Beltre becomes hit leader among Dominican born players |work=CBSSports.com |date=September 19, 2014 |access-date=September 19, 2014}}

Beltré finished the 2014 season batting .324, his highest average since 2004, with 19 home runs and 77 RBI in 148 games.{{cite web |url=https://retrosheet.org/boxesetc/B/Pbelta001.htm |title=Adrian Beltre Career Statistics at Retrosheet |website=retrosheet.org |accessdate=January 6, 2024}}

==2015==

In February, the Rangers picked up Beltré's option, which would have become guaranteed if he had reached 586 plate appearances in the 2015 season.{{cite news |title=Rangers rework Beltre's deal, eliminate right to void 2016 |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=12370096 |access-date=February 24, 2015 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=February 23, 2015}}{{cite news |last1=Sullivan |first1=T.R. |title=Rangers pick up Beltre's 2016 contract option |url=http://m.rangers.mlb.com/news/article/110154278/rangers-pick-up-adrian-beltres-2016-contract-option |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224041259/http://m.rangers.mlb.com/news/article/110154278/rangers-pick-up-adrian-beltres-2016-contract-option |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 24, 2015 |access-date=February 24, 2015 |work=MLB.com |date=February 23, 2015}}

While playing in Cleveland on May 15, Beltré hit his 400th home run on a sinker from Bruce Chen. He became the 52nd player in MLB history to reach that plateau, and the fourth to do so while playing at least 75 percent of his games at third base.{{cite news |last=Stavenhagen |first=Cody |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/rangers-third-baseman-adrian-beltre-clubs-400th-career-home-run/c-124632598 |title=Beltre remains humble after 400th homer: Veteran third baseman adds to impressive big league resume |work=MLB.com |date=May 16, 2015 |access-date=September 4, 2016 |archive-date=May 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160530135936/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/124632598/rangers-third-baseman-adrian-beltre-clubs-400th-career-home-run |url-status=live }}

File:Adrian Beltre Texas Rangers (16884655312).jpg

Enduring a torn ligament in his left thumb over the last three months of the season, Beltré had surgery to repair it immediately after the season ended.{{cite news |last1=Sullivan |first1=T.R. |title=Beltre energized, hoping for extension: Third baseman feels healthy entering final year of contract |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/adrian-beltre-upbeat-at-rangers-awards-dinner-c162594856 |access-date=September 4, 2016 |work=MLB.com |date=January 22, 2016}}

On August 3, Beltré hit for the cycle with hits in each of the first, second, third, and fifth innings at home against the Houston Astros in a 12–9 win. It was his third career cycle, second as a Ranger, and third at the Rangers' home park, making him the only player ever to hit three cycles in one stadium. He became the first Rangers player to hit for multiple cycles. The first player in 82 years to hit for a third cycle, he became the fourth player to do so and tied the major league record for total career cycles, joining Long John Reilly, Bob Meusel, and Babe Herman.{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/adrian-beltre-texas-rangers-hits-for-cycle-third-time-bob-meusel-babe-herman-john-reilly-080315 |title=Beltre hits for cycle for third time, does it in first 4 ABs |work=Fox Sports |date=August 3, 2015 |access-date=September 4, 2016}}

The Phi Delta Theta fraternity presented Beltré with the 2014 Lou Gehrig Memorial Award on September 17, 2015, making him the first Rangers player to win the award. He had contributed significantly to humanitarian acts in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex such as Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation, Texas Rangers RBI program, the I Love Baseball program, which operates in the Dominican Republic, the Baseball Tomorrow Fund, as well as the foundations established by a number of major league players.{{cite news |last=Sullivan |first=T. R. |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/adrian-beltre-receives-lou-gehrig-award/c-150175240 |title=Beltre honored with Lou Gehrig Memorial Award |work=MLB.com |date=September 17, 2015 |access-date=September 4, 2016}}

During the last week of the season, and the Rangers' run towards the AL West championship, Beltré batted .448 with two home runs and 13 RBI. He also went 2-for-4 with a home in the final game of the season to help the Rangers advance to their sixth AL West title. He finished the season with 18 home runs, 83 RBI, 163 hits, and .287 average.

==2016==

On April 15, Beltré and the Rangers agreed to a two-year, $36 million contract extension that would last through the 2018 seasons. The extension prevented Beltré from becoming a free agent at the end of the season.{{cite news |last=Sullivan |first=T. R. |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/rangers-adrian-beltre-sign-contract-extension-c172562894 |title=Beltre signs 2-year extension |work=MLB.com |date=April 15, 2016 |access-date=September 4, 2016}}

Displaying a drop to one knee, Beltré hit a home run on a curve ball from Jesse Hahn of Oakland on May 17.{{cite news |last=Garro |first=Adrian |url=https://www.mlb.com/cut4/adrian-beltre-hits-400-foot-home-run-taking-a-knee-c178755984 |title=Nobody hits 400-foot home runs while taking a knee quite like Adrian Beltre |work=MLB.com |date=May 17, 2016 |access-date=September 9, 2016}} In a May 29 game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Beltré hit a two-run home run off Juan Nicasio to give him 1,501 career RBI, making him the 54th player to reach the milestone and the fourth third baseman.{{cite news |last=Posner |first=Ryan |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/adrian-beltre-homers-to-reach-career-rbi-1-501-c180777020 |title=Beltre's milestone RBIs help Rangers back Yu |work=MLB.com |date=May 29, 2016 |access-date=September 5, 2016}} On July 2, Beltré became the 28th player all time to amass 10,000 career at-bats.{{cite web |url=http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/mlb/texas-rangers/article87381907.html |last=Wilson |first=Jeff |title=Adrián Beltré reaches 10,000 career at-bats |work=Fort Worth Star Telegram |date=July 2, 2016 |access-date=July 3, 2016}} On July 23, he became the 36th player all time to record 11,000 career plate appearances. Two days later, he hit a walk-off home run, the ninth of his career, against the Athletics in the bottom of the ninth inning for a 7−6 win.{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Jane |last2=Posner |first2=Ryan |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/rangers-adrian-beltre-walk-off-hr-sinks-a-s-c191665904 |title=Beltre walk-off home run sinks A's |work=MLB.com |date=July 26, 2016 |access-date=July 26, 2016}}

On August 24, Beltré, in a game against the Cincinnati Reds, hit a go-ahead two-out double for his 2,900th career hit and led the Rangers to a 6–5 win. With this hit, Beltré became the 39th player in Major League history to reach the milestone.{{cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/albert-pujols-david-ortiz-and-adrian-beltre-reach-remarkable-milestones-060616966.html |last=Townsend |first= Mark |title=Albert Pujols, David Ortiz, and Adrian Beltre reach remarkable milestones |work=Yahoo! Sports |date=August 25, 2016 |access-date=September 20, 2016}}

Beltré would once again show his signature home run knee drop after hitting a solo shot in the second inning in a game against the Houston Astros on September 13. His 30th of the season, it was the first time he reached the mark since 2013 and fifth in his career.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/cut4/rangers-adrian-beltre-launches-another-home-run-from-his-knees-c201207362 |last1=Monagan |first1=Matt |last2=Posner |first2=Ryan |title=Adrian Beltre launched a dinger from his knees again and, no, this will never get old |work=MLB.com |date=September 13, 2016 |access-date=September 20, 2016}} Ten days later, his two-run home run in the eighth inning against the Athletics aided the Rangers in clinching the AL West division crown for the second year in a row and the seventh in franchise history. He also reached 100 RBI for the first time since 2012 and fifth time in his career.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/rangers-al-west-champions-despite-obstacles-c203066836 |last=Justice |first=Richard |title=Rangers follow unorthodox path to AL West crown |work=MLB.com |date=September 24, 2016 |access-date=September 24, 2016}} He won the American League Gold Glove at third base, the fifth of his career.{{cite news |last=Fraley |first=Gerry |url=http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/texas-rangers/rangers/2016/11/08/moreland-beltre-win-gold-gloves |title=Mitch Moreland, Adrian Beltre win Gold Gloves; Beltre: 'Pretty surprised that an old man like me won' |work=Dallas Morning News |date=November 8, 2016 |access-date=November 20, 2016}}

==2017==

File:Adrián Beltré in 2017.jpg

Beltré began the 2017 season on the 10-day disabled list. He injured his right leg near the end of spring training.{{cite web | agency=Associated Press | title=MLB: Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre to start season on 10-day disabled list | website=Los Angeles Times | date=2017-04-01 | url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/mlb/la-sp-mlb-report-20170401-story.html | access-date=2025-01-18}}

On July 4, Beltré hit his 600th career double, becoming the 17th player all-time to reach that milestone.{{cite web|url=http://www.wfaa.com/sports/mlb/rangers/adrian-beltre-got-three-hits-and-some-other-things-happened-rangers-lose-11-4/454243800|title=Beltre hits his 600th career double|last=Weaver|first=Levi|work=WFAA|date=July 4, 2017|access-date=July 5, 2017}} On July 7, Beltré became the 21st player to amass 5,000 career total bases.{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/MLB/2017/07/08/Texas-Rangers-slugger-Adrian-Beltre-hits-home-run-off-of-knee/5061499527400/|title=Beltre amasses 5,000 career total bases|last=Butler|first=Alex|work=UPI|date=July 8, 2017|access-date=July 8, 2017}} On July 26, Beltré was ejected by umpire Gerry Davis; in a game against the Miami Marlins, Davis asked Beltré, who was the next scheduled batter, to move closer to the on-deck circle. Beltré responded by picking up the edge of the logo that marked the on-deck circle and moving it closer to where he had been standing, which prompted Davis to eject him.{{Cite news |date=July 26, 2017 |title=Beltre ejected from Rangers game while warming up on deck |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/beltre-ejected-from-rangers-game-while-warming-up-on-deck/2017/07/26/6fc633de-727f-11e7-8c17-533c52b2f014_story.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728102628/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/beltre-ejected-from-rangers-game-while-warming-up-on-deck/2017/07/26/6fc633de-727f-11e7-8c17-533c52b2f014_story.html |archive-date=July 28, 2017 |access-date=July 27, 2017 |newspaper=Washington Post|agency=Associated Press}}

Beltré collected his 3,000th hit with a double into left field against Wade Miley of the Baltimore Orioles on July 30, making him the 31st player to reach this milestone and the first Dominican born player to accomplish it.{{cite news |last=Anderson |first=R. J. |date=July 30, 2017 |title=Rangers' Adrian Beltre becomes 31st MLB player to reach 3,000-hit milestone |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/rangers-adrian-beltre-becomes-31st-mlb-player-to-reach-3000-hit-milestone/ |work=CBS Sports |location=New York, NY}}

Beltré played in only 94 games in 2017 due to hamstring and calf problems.{{Cite web|url=https://www.staradvertiser.com/2018/11/30/sports/sports-breaking/adrian-beltre-completely-happy-with-retirement-after-21-seasons/|title=Adrian Beltre 'completely happy' with retirement after 21 seasons|agency=Associated Press|date=November 30, 2018|website=Honolulu Star-Advertiser}}

==2018==

Prior to the start of the 2018 season, the Rangers signed Bartolo Colón,{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/22923796/bartolo-colon-signs-another-minor-league-deal-texas-rangers |title=Bartolo Colon signs another minor league deal with Rangers |work=ESPN.com |date=March 26, 2018 |access-date=April 28, 2018}} giving them the only two active players with at least 20 seasons in the major leagues.{{cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/dfw/news/beltre-colon-mlb-20-seasons/ |title=Beltre, Colon only current MLB players with 20+ seasons |work=KTVT |date=March 13, 2018 |access-date=April 28, 2018}} On April 5, Beltré doubled in the second inning versus the Oakland Athletics to pass Rod Carew as the all-time Latin-American hits leader.{{cite web | title=Must C: Beltre passes Carew as Latin America's hits leader | website=Sportsnet.ca | date=2018-04-17 | url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/must-c-beltre-passes-carew-latin-americas-hits-leader/ | access-date=2025-01-18}} On June 13, Beltré hit a double that gave him 3,090 career hits; this made him the all-time leader in hits by a player not born in the United States, surpassing former Mariners teammate Ichiro Suzuki.{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/23787047/adrian-beltre-tops-ichiro-suzuki-most-mlb-hits-foreign-born-player/|title=Adrian Beltre tops Ichiro Suzuki for most MLB hits by foreign-born player|work=espn.com |access-date=April 5, 2018}}

On November 20, 2018, Beltré announced his retirement.

=Career statistics=

{{MLBBioRet

|Image = AdrianBeltreRangers.png

|Name = Adrián Beltré

|Number = 29

|Team = Texas Rangers (baseball)

|Display = Texas Rangers

|Year = 2019

}}

In 2,933 games over 21 seasons, Beltré posted a .286 batting average with 3,166 hits, 477 home runs, 1,707 RBI, 121 stolen bases, 1,524 runs, 636 doubles, a .339 on-base percentage, a .480 slugging percentage, and a .960 fielding percentage. In 28 postseason games, he hit .261 with five home runs and 11 RBI.

=Playing style and reputation=

Beltré is regarded as one of the greatest third basemen of all time. Having played 21 major league seasons and won five Gold Gloves, he was notable for his longevity, his fielding ability, and his power hitting.

Beltré's signature home run swing included a drop to one knee when connecting with a breaking ball, particularly notable during Game 5 of the 2011 World Series in an at bat against Cardinals ace pitcher Chris Carpenter.{{cite news |last=Cosman |first=Ben |url=https://www.mlb.com/cut4/watch-adrian-beltre-swings-and-falls-down/c-175004454 |title=Adrian Beltre swung so hard he fell to a knee ... and then he stayed there and struck a pose |work=MLB.com Cut 4 |date=April 27, 2016 |access-date=September 10, 2016}}

Beltré's defensive style was somewhat unorthodox. Rangers manager Ron Washington remarked that Beltré fielded ground balls incorrectly by stopping before catching the ball and relying very little on the positioning of his feet in throwing the ball to first base.{{cite news |last=Kepner |first=Tyler |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/01/sports/baseball/rangers-adrian-beltre-plays-third-base-like-no-one-else.html?_r=0 |title=At third for Texas, unorthodox excellence |work=The New York Times |date=August 31, 2012 |access-date=September 3, 2016}} Beltré explained that his arm was so strong that early in his career he was making many throwing errors; by planting his feet, he was able to improve his accuracy despite his lack of proper foot positioning.{{cite news|last=Wilson |first=Jeff |url= https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/adrian-beltre-one-of-a-kind/ |title=Adrian Beltre: One of a Kind |work=Baseball America |date=August 10, 2018 |access-date=August 31, 2018}}

Another major league manager, Joe Maddon, compared the unique style of Beltré's defensive play to Ozzie Smith's "flair at shortstop", Stan Musial's "coiled batting stance", and the way Steve Carlton wrapped his left wrist before releasing a slider. Commented Maddon further on Beltré's defense, "There's a lot of guys that did things unique to them that weren't out of the Spalding Guide. They did things you wouldn't teach, and if somebody else tried to do it, they would not be very good." Commented Rangers bench coach Steve Buechele, "He's not your most conventional third baseman, he does things his own way and has developed his own style over his career but there's something to be said for his hand-eye coordination and his hands. It's remarkable what he does. ... He's a super smart player, knows where to position himself."{{cite news |url=http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/texas-rangers/rangers/2016/09/07/ranger-bench-coach-steve-buechele-adrian-beltre-conventional-third-baseman |title=Ranger bench coach Steve Buechele: Why Adrian Beltre is not your conventional third baseman |work=The Dallas Morning News SportsDay |date=September 7, 2016 |access-date=September 10, 2016}}

Beltré was known for the sense of playfulness and joy that he exhibited on the field. He had a routine with Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus on pop flies where both men put their arms up to catch the ball.{{cite news |last=Knobler |first=Danny |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2792387 |title=The Bizarre Quirks and Tales of Adrian Beltre, MLB's Most Beloved Star |work=Bleacher Report |date=August 28, 2018 |access-date=August 31, 2018}} During a game against the Red Sox on June 26, 2016, Sandy León hit a foul ball which landed in the first row in the stands, just out of Beltré's reach. However, instead of returning immediately to the infield, he reached very close to the ball in a motion, pretending as if he were going to take it away from the fan who caught León's foul ball.{{cite news |last=Garro |first=Adrian |url=https://www.mlb.com/cut4/rangers-adrian-beltre-pretends-to-steal-foul-from-fan-in-front-row-c186384112 |title=Adrian Beltre continues stealing hearts by pretending to steal a foul ball from a fan |work=MLB.com Cut 4 |date=June 26, 2016 |access-date=September 10, 2016}} Beltré also had a joking relationship with Mariners pitcher Felix Hernández, which included Beltré getting ejected in 2010, when the two former teammates first faced each other and Hernández hugging Beltré one day after Beltré's 3,000th major league hit.{{cite web | last=Simon | first=Andrew | title=Adrian Beltre-Felix Hernandez best moments | website=MLB.com | date=2020-04-07 | url=https://www.mlb.com/news/adrian-beltre-felix-hernandez-best-moments | access-date=2025-04-11}}

Beltré was also known for his dislike of anyone touching the top of his head. Before the game where he recorded his 3,000th hit, he let his teammates touch his head. Much to his dismay, the act turned into a game, inducing repeat offenders such as his infield partner Andrus.{{cite web |last=Ley |first=Tom |url=http://deadspin.com/elvis-andrus-stalks-the-most-dangerous-game-adrian-bel-1703903221 |title=Elvis Andrus stalks the most dangerous game: Adrian Beltre |work=Deadspin |date=May 12, 2015 |access-date=September 9, 2016}} Beltré also disliked Gatorade showers. After a game in which he hit a grand slam that provided the decisive runs in a 5–2 win over the Athletics on August 15, 2016, he took a broom from the groundskeepers closet and began combing an area of infield dirt. Still, Rougned Odor trotted to Beltré carrying a bucket filled with Gatorade, and in his attempt to drench Beltré, missed him with the launch of the column of the liquid.{{cite news |last=Garro |first=Adrian |url=https://www.mlb.com/cut4/adrian-beltre-uses-grounds-crew-s-broom-to-help-him-avoid-a-postgame-shower-c195 |title=Grabbing the grounds crew's broom, Adrian Beltre went to great lengths to avoid a postgame shower |work=MLB.com Cut 4 |date=August 15, 2016 |access-date=September 10, 2016}}

=Awards and accomplishments=

;Awards

All-World Baseball Classic Team (2006)
4× Fielding Bible Award at third base (2006, 2008, 2011, 2012)
Lou Gehrig Memorial Award (2014)
4× MLB All-Star (2010–12, 2014)
4× MLB Player of the Month (September 2004, September 2011, September 2012, July 2013)
6× MLB Player of the Week (August 27, 2000; June 27, 2004; August 26, 2012; July 7, 2013; October 4, 2015; July 30, 2017)
2× Rawlings American League Platinum Glove Award (2011, 2012)
5× Rawlings Gold Glove Award at third base (2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2016)
4× Silver Slugger Award at third base (2004, 2010, 2011, 2014)
4× Texas Rangers Player of the Year (2012, 2013, 2014, 2016){{cite web |url=http://www.nbcdfw.com/blogs/red-fever/Adrian-Beltre-Again-Named-Rangers-Player-of-the-Year-401948705.html |title=Adrian Beltre Again Named Rangers Player of the Year |work= NBCDFW.com |date=November 18, 2016 |access-date= December 3, 2016}}
Thomas A. Yawkey Award (Boston Red Sox team MVP) (2010)
Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award for the Texas Rangers (2012)

;Selected MLB accomplishments

First player from the Dominican Republic to reach 3,000 hits.
Played 2,933 major league games; upon his retirement, this was the 14th-highest total in Major League history.
Retired as the only third baseman in history with both 3,000 career hits and 400 homers.
Retired as the all-time leader amongst third basemen in career hits and RBIs, and ranked third in home runs behind Mike Schmidt (548) and Eddie Mathews (512).
One of five players to hit 100 home runs with three teams.
Holds the MLB record for hitting for the cycles accomplished in the same stadium (3 at Globe Life Park in Arlington).
Tied MLB record as fourth player to hit for the cycle three times.
Sixth player with a three-home-run game in both the postseason (October 4, 2011) and regular season (August 22, 2012).
Second player with both a three-home-run game (August 22, 2012) and a cycle (August 24, 2012) within the same week.
Had his number 29 retired by the Texas Rangers in 2019.{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/dfw/news/rangers-retire-adrian-beltre-29-jersey/|work=CBS DFW|title=Rangers Retire Adrian Beltre's No. 29 Jersey|date=June 8, 2019|access-date=July 13, 2019}}

International Career

Beltré played for the Dominican Republic in the 2006 World Baseball Classic (WBC). He was named to the All-WBC team after hitting 4 home runs in six games.{{Cite web |title=WBC Stats {{!}} Dominican Republic {{!}} 2006 |url=https://www.mlb.com/world-baseball-classic/stats/dominican-republic/2006 |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=www.mlb.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Perry |first=Dayn |date=March 23, 2017 |title=World Baseball Classic: Previous champs, results, medal count, MVPS, All-WBC teams |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/world-baseball-classic-previous-champs-results-medal-count-mvps-all-wbc-teams/}} He also played in the 2017 WBC, batting 1-for-15 in four games.{{Cite web |title=WBC Stats {{!}} Dominican Republic {{!}} 2017 |url=https://www.mlb.com/world-baseball-classic/stats/dominican-republic/2017 |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=www.mlb.com |language=en}} In 2017, he was dealing with leg injuries that caused him to miss the beginning of the MLB season.{{Cite news |last=Engel |first=Mac |date=May 11, 2017 |title=Injured Beltre deserves heat over decision to play in World Baseball Classic |url=https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/mac-engel/article149881222.html |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram}}

Beltré was one of several Dominican Hall of Famers assisting general manager Nelson Cruz ahead of the 2026 WBC.{{Cite news |last=Mercado |first=Juan |date=March 7, 2025 |title=Clásico Mundial de Béisbol, el evento cumbre de dominicanos |trans-title=World Baseball Classic, the top event for Dominicans |url=https://eldia.com.do/clasico-mundial-de-beisbol-el-evento-cumbre-de-dominicanos/ |work=El Día |language=es}}

Post-playing career

On June 5, 2023, Beltré was named the honorary general manager for the Karachi Monarchs of the Baseball United league for their inaugural season.{{cite news |author1=Enrique Rojas |title=Adrián Beltré nombra a Miguel Tejada mánager en Pakistán |url=https://espndeportes.espn.com/beisbol/nota/_/id/12154720/adrian-beltre-nombra-a-miguel-tejada-manager-en-pakistan |agency=ESPN Deportes |date=June 5, 2023 |language=es}}

Beltré served as the manager for the American League team in the 2024 All-Star Futures Game.{{cite web | last=Adler | first=David | title=2024 MLB All-Star Futures Game coaching staffs announced | website=MLB.com | date=2024-07-01 | url=https://www.mlb.com/news/2024-mlb-all-star-futures-game-coaching-staffs-announced | access-date=2025-01-18}}

Charitable and humanitarian work

Beltré has contributed to humanitarian activities in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex such as the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation, Texas Rangers RBI program, the I Love Baseball program, which operates in the Dominican Republic, and the Baseball Tomorrow Fund. He has donated to Dave Valle's Esperanza International as well as foundations established by other major-league players, including Robinson Chirinos, Eddie Guardado, Joakim Soria, and Michael Young.

In 2021, Beltré helped pay to reconstruct a baseball stadium in the Dominican Republic where he grew up playing.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2021-12-06 |title=(VIDEO) Adrián Beltré deja inaugurada remodelación de Hogar Escuela Domingo Savio |url=https://elnuevodiario.com.do/video-adrian-beltre-deja-inaugurada-remodelacion-de-hogar-escuela-domingo-savio/ |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=El Nuevo Diario (República Dominicana) |language=es}}{{Sabrbio|https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/adrian-beltre/}}