BD Hot Stove: Beltre Finalizes Deal With Texas | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: Beltre Finalizes Deal With Texas | Baseball Digest

While the family and friends of Roberto Alomar and Bert Blyleven are celebrating their new found fame as baseball hall of fame members, Adrian Beltre’s going to party like it’s 1999 after inking his six year, $96M deal with the Texas Rangers.

Beltre last signed a large free agent contract with the Seattle Mariners in December, 2004. That deal was five years and put $64M in Beltre’s bank account. It also backfired for the Mariners, who never received the production Beltre created as a member of the LA Dodgers. Texas is hoping for better things after Beltre’s big season with the Boston Red Sox in 2010.

The slick fielding 3rd baseman hit .321 last season with 28 home runs and 102 RBI. He also led the American League in doubles and was a first time All-Star. Beltre’s deal includes a provision which allows Texas to void the final year of the contract if Beltre does not reach a certain amount of plate appearances in the fourth and/or final year of the deal. The sixth year would pay him $16M.

Rumors, News, and Transactions

Carlos Gonzalez has finalized a seven year contract agreement that will have the Colorado Rockies paying him $80M.

Ken Rosenthal reports that the Braves and recently acquired 2nd baseman Dan Uggla have avoided arbitration with a new five year, $64M contract. Prior to being traded, Uggla reportedly turned down a four year, $48M offer from the Florida Marlins.

Adam LaRoche is the Washington Nationals new 1st baseman after signing a two year, $15M deal. The contract includes an option for 2013 worth $13M/$1M buyout.

Tony Pena Jr., son of the catching standout and a former shortstop, has signed a minor league deal with the Boston Red Sox. The younger Pena converted to pitcher after not being able to hit major league pitching.

Despite a previous report, Mariners infielder Brendan Ryan has NOT signed a two year deal with the club and is still headed to arbitration at this time.

Things are getting desperate in the Bronx. Jon Morosi reports that the Yankees are showing interest in the worn right arm of Jeremy Bonderman.