Phillies Showing Interest in Texas’ 3B Adrian Beltre

There has been a lot of talk about the Phillies interest in Baltimore shortstop Manny Machado, but the price tag may prevent them from going after him in season, and wait to go after him in the offseason when he is a free agent.

But that doesn't mean the team might not be interested in a rental player to help the 2018 team.

According to Jon Morosi of MLB.com, the Phillies have expressed interest in trading for Adrian Beltre, who is in the final year of a two-year, $36 million deal.

The Phillies also have interest in Beltre, sources say, as much for his professionalism as his production. The Phils have the youngest group of position players in the Majors, and team officials see long-term value in Beltre's influence on an emerging core. Plus, the recent injury to J.P. Crawford has opened up more at-bats on the infield.

 

Beltre is batting .302 with three home runs and 22 RBI in 45 games this season for the Rangers and he still plays a great third base at age 39.  With J.P. Crawford our 4-6 weeks with a broken hand, Maikel Franco is back in an everyday role.

The Phillies haven't been happy with Franco, and essentially benched him in favor of Crawford.  However, with Crawford out, and the Phillies offense struggling, the Phillies could turn to Beltre in the short-term, before targeting a player like Machado in the offseason.