Adrian Beltre's pursuit of 3,000 hits will continue with Rangers

According to multiple reports, including one from MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan, the Texas Rangers have agreed to a two-year contract extension with veteran third baseman Adrian Beltre.

The contract would reportedly keep Beltre in a Rangers uniform through the 2018 season, which barring injuries or an unforeseen decline, would essentially guarantee he'll reach 3,000 hits in Texas.

[Related: Adrian Beltre's reaction to this Chris Tillman pitch is priceless]

Beltre entered play on Friday with 2,780 career hits, leaving him shy of becoming the 30th player ever — and the first native of the Dominican Republic — to reach the 3,000-hit milestone. That would seemingly put him on track to reach 3,000 hits early during the 2017 season. Though again, other circumstances could ultimately play a role.

There was obviously a strong desire from both sides to continue what has been a successful relationship. Beltre first signed a six-year, $96 million deal with Texas prior to the 2011 season. Assuming he plays out his extension in Texas, his eight years there will be the longest time he's been with any one club during his career, which currently spans 17 seasons.

The Rangers and Beltre have had off and on extensions going on for several months. According to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, many of the major obstacles that remained were cleared as of Friday night. He'll reportedly received $18 million per season, slightly up from his $16 million average annual salary. Beltre would also need to pass a physical exam, which seems like a formality.

During his time with the Rangers, Beltre has provided tremendous value. Overall, he's hit .309/.358.514 with 135 home runs and 459 RBIs. In 2015, he hit .287/.334/.453. with 18 homers and 83 RBIs, so he hasn't shown any real signs of decline just yet.

[Related: Yu Darvish offered minor leaguers $1,000 to hit home runs off him]

As Grant also notes, Beltre's defense remains top notch as well at third base. Through 11 games, he had accounted for four defensive runs saved, which was tied with Colorado's Nolan Arenado for the most in the majors at any position.

Any way you slice it, Beltre is a guy worth keeping around and even building around even as he inches closer to 40.

More MLB coverage from Yahoo Sports:

- - - - - - -

Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813