Adrián Beltré Elected to the Hall of Fame

Adrián Beltré had an incredible 21-year major league baseball career, culminating in a first-ballot selection to the Hall of Fame with an overwhelming 95.1% vote. While he never won an MVP and received just four All-Star selections, he was remarkably consistent and amassed an incredible 93.5 rWAR with a career slash line of .286/.339/.480 and an OPS+ of 116. He also collected four silver sluggers, five Gold Gloves, and two Platinum Gloves.

Beltré had his best offensive years during his time with the Texas Rangers but his five-year stint with the Seattle Mariners was still productive. Over 3,059 plate appearances with the team, he posted a .759 OPS and 101 OPS+ while accumulating 78 defensive runs saved over that period, peaking in 2008 with 27. He won two of his Gold Gloves with Seattle and had the Platinum Glove been available during those years (it was first given out following the 2011 season), he likely would have won those too.

In addition to his statistical footprint, Beltré was a charismatic figure in Seattle and developed a close friendship with legendary pitcher Felix Hernandez.

While they didn't spend much time as teammates, he also had his moments with fellow Mariners legend Ken Griffey Jr.

"Returning from a testicle-related injury, Adrián Beltré was greeted by the theme for Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" during his first at-bat. He can thank teammate Ken Griffey Jr., who suggested the musical accompaniment."

- Sean Keeley, SB Nation

Beltré will likely be inducted into the hall donning a Rangers (or maybe Dodgers) cap but his impact on the Mariners shouldn't be overlooked. It was a well-deserved honor for one of the best third basemen of this era.