NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. -- Rangers third baseman Adrián Beltré has committed to play for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic next spring.
The Rangers are comfortable with Beltre's commitment despite his age (he will turn 38 in April) and his history of nagging leg injuries in Spring Training.
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"I think it's an honor," Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. "He said it would be his last one. I have my doubts. It's a great honor for him and a reflection of the club."
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Right now, Beltre is the only Rangers player to be announced as a participant in the Classic, but the list could grow. Catcher Jonathan Lucroy wants to play for the United States, Curacao native Jurickson Profar could play for the Netherlands and left-handed pitcher Martin Pérez has a desire to represent Venezuela. Shortstop Elvis Andrus, catcher Robinson Chirinos and second baseman Rougned Odor are also strong candidates to play for Venezuela.
Outfielder Shin-Soo Choo is on the provisional roster for South Korea, but that is not final. Choo has to be cleared medically after enduring multiple injuries in 2016. Yu Darvish is a possibility to play for Japan, but that appears doubtful. He pitched for the 2009 World Baseball Classic winners but sat out in 2013.
There has also been talk of slugger Joey Gallo playing for Italy, but his winter ball season was cut short by a strained left hamstring, so he would have to be cleared medically.