Red Sox ‘Seem’ Interested in Rangers’ Adrian Beltre

By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com

The Boston Red Sox "seem to have interest" in potentially acquiring third baseman Adrian Beltre from the Texas Rangers ahead of baseball's trade deadline, according to the Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo in his Sunday Baseball Notes. Beltre would have to waive his 10-and-5 no-trade rights in order for a trade to happen.

Beltre may not come at an exorbitant cost, considering he is 39 years old and in the final year of his deal with the Rangers. But he can still hit; he has an .814 OPS in 204 plate appearances with the Rangers this season. He can also still play third base, and while he's not quite the Gold Glover he used to be, he'd be a clear upgrade over Rafael Devers when he mans the hot corner.

Devers can play more DH with Beltre in the fold, and perhaps begin his inevitable transition over to first. The most obvious improvement with Beltre would with his fielding, and his still-viable bat would essentially be a bonus.

The Red Sox still need at least one established reliever more than anything. But Beltre would certainly help in the areas where he excels, and likely wouldn't come at a cost that the Red Sox could no longer afford.

Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.