Adrian Beltre “not a huge fan” of new MLB rules coming in 2023

Adrian Beltre is a household name to MLB fans. The legendary third baseman amassed more than 3,000 hits and 400 home runs in a stellar career that spanned 20 years, developing a reputation as one of the best third basemen to ever play the game.

But what you may not know is that the future Hall of Famer has been busy taking his brand internationally.

Beltre just recently became a co-owner and board member at Baseball United, the first-ever professional baseball league to serve the Middle East and Indian subcontinent. Led by Kash Shaikh and a contingent of other investors including famous MLB alumni like Barry Larkin and Mariano Rivera, the league is attempting to bring baseball to areas of the world that haven’t been exposed to the game.

Adrian Beltre has been busy since retiring from MLB

Beltre says he’s excited to join the team at Baseball United, citing “an opportunity to come back into the game and bring baseball to different parts of the world.” The star third baseman is hoping to recruit more big names to join him in this effort.

We also had a chance to ask Beltre about the new rule changes being implemented in MLB starting this season, such as the pitch clock and the bigger bases. Unsurprisingly, he’s no advocate for these changes.

"“Yeah. I’m not a huge fan of it [the new rules]. Because, you know, I retired about four years ago and the game was played a certain way. For me, I’m an old-school type baseball player, you know, and I liked the game where it was. It’s just difficult to change that.”"

Beltre did concede, however, that he appreciates baseball’s intentions in implementing these new rules.

"“I understand where they’re coming from because for the fact that you know, especially with the pitch clock for the pitchers, some pitchers you know, take too long to pitch, and for the other 95% that don’t take long, then you have to pay for it. I understand that part of it, but if this was my choice, I’d just leave the game the way it is.”"

Ultimately, the future Hall of Famer opined that “the game was beautiful the way it was” (and we can’t really disagree with that assessment).

We also had the opportunity to ask Beltre about his thoughts on being inducted into the Hall of Fame when he first becomes eligible in 2024 and what team he’ll choose to display on his plaque. His response was rather humble.

"“Well, I don’t like to think about it. I know that I have a slim chance. And I’m just I’m honored to even be in the ballot. But I don’t like to get ahead of myself.  I’ve had other people asked me that question [about my plaque], if it happens. I haven’t decided yet [which team to display]. So I don’t know. I like to wait for things to happen for me and then just go ahead and do it.”"

A “slim chance” of being inducted? We won’t believe that for a second, but his humility is a testament to the player he was on the field and the person he is off it, and now as a leading investor and board member of Baseball United.

With Baseball United slated to begin league play in November, you can be sure Adrian Beltre will be at the forefront of the operation. And be on the lookout for him in Cooperstown in 2024 when he becomes a first-ballot MLB Hall of Famer.