ARLINGTON -- General manager Jon Daniels confirmed the Rangers had a chance to pursue a trade involving third baseman Adrian Beltre last week. Daniels said they did not do so because of Beltre's desire to finish the season and possibly retire as a Ranger at the end of the year.
"There was a situation last week that presented itself," Daniels said. "We talked about it with Adrian. For a number of reasons, it wasn't the right fit. If he wanted to push and push for the trade, we would have honored that. To not have done that says a lot about how he feels about his teammates and fans in particular. For that piece, I am in awe."
Friday was the deadline for clubs to acquire players by trade and have them eligible for the postseason. The most significant trade involving a third baseman was Josh Donaldson going from the Blue Jays to the Indians.
"The conversation we presented with Adrian with what was out there," Daniels said. "If he plays again next year, there are a million opportunities. If he chooses not to play, this could have been the last opportunity. For everything Adrian has meant for the franchise, if he wanted to pursue it, there wasn't a ton in it for us quite frankly."
Beltre did not reject a trade. One club -- the Dodgers -- expressed an interest, but L.A. did not move beyond that because Beltre wanted to stay in Texas and the Rangers were not going to get a significant return.
"Like I've said before, the only way it was going to happen -- me going somewhere -- is if it made sense for both parties: me and the team," Beltre said. "Obviously, they understand that for me, it's always been important to have a chance to win the World Series. If something comes up, let me know, if it makes sense for them and [me]. Obviously, it didn't make sense for both of us. We had a discussion, and that's why I'm here."
Whatever trade scenarios that were discussed, they were not significant enough for Beltre to consider leaving Texas.
"I was not eager to leave this place," Beltre said. "I've been here for eight years. I've been grateful for the chance to be in the World Series and almost win it. It's not easy to just pack your things and go. There's a lot of things to be considered, and like I've said before, I'd like to retire as a Ranger."
Beltre still doesn't know if that will happen this year or next. He is waiting for the offseason to decide if he will play one more year. But he wants his last game to be with the Rangers.
"I don't know how that's going to happen because I don't know where I stand for next year," Beltre said. "And if I do, I don't know if they still want me back. So, I feel like questions need to be answered, but it was not a difficult decision to make. The only way that I could've gone somewhere was if it was a perfect situation for me and the organization."
Beltre has been limited by a strained left hamstring and has played third base just once since Aug. 13. But he said he is close to being 100 percent and is hoping to play third base on Tuesday. Jurickson Profar has been playing third base in his absence.
"We still want to get Profar significant time at third base," manager Jeff Banister said. "We are close to the same scenario we were at one point earlier in the year. Adrian will primarily be a DH but will get some days at third base. We're close to the end of the year, but one thing I'd like is for Adrian to continue to play if he feels like playing. I hope our fans will tune in and watch. He is a great player and a future Hall of Famer."
As far as possible retirement …
"No," Beltre said. "I'm not thinking about next year yet. That's going to be in the offseason."