Member of MLB 3,000-hit club says ‘most’ players want to participate in ‘great’ World Baseball Classic

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Adrian Beltre is probably going to make the Hall of Fame on his first ballot next season - the former Texas Ranger is one of 12 players in MLB history to get 3,000 hits and 400 home runs.

However, even during his illustrious MLB career, he participated in the 2006 and 2017 World Baseball Classics as a member of the Dominican Republic teams.

The event has garnered some backlash for its timing, further exposing players to potential injuries and the simple fact that it is just not that important of an event.

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Adrian Beltre, #39 of the Dominican Republic, hits during a Pool C game of the 2017 World Baseball Classic against Canada at Miami Marlins Stadium on March 9, 2017 in Miami. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

But do not tell the latter part to Beltre. In fact, he admitted he rushed back from an injury to participate in 2017.

"There was one year when I was in Texas they were concerned, because I actually got injured right before spring training, so I rushed to get better," Beltre told Fox News Digital in a recent interview. "I wanted to participate in the [WBC]. It happens every four years, and it’s something that most of us want to do."

MLB owners and general managers will never admit it publicly, but deep down, they do not want their players there. Just within the last few weeks, New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman notably did not allow often-injured pitcher Luis Severino to participate, though three other Yankees will play.

Beltre understands why it is a predicament among front offices.

Adrian Beltre, #29 of the Dominican Republic, throws to first against Puerto Rico during