Adrian Beltre confirmed that he almost signed with the Washington Nationals before the 2011 season.

Instead, Beltre signed with the Texas Rangers and Washington added Jayson Werth.

"At that time, I was just listening for offers, to see what was out there," Beltre said. "I met with [Mike] Rizzo back in L.A. We talked. I asked questions, he answered. He asked questions, I answered. And it got close, but it didn't work out."

Beltre recalled the discussion as "definitely a good meeting." When asked if the Nationals made him an official offer, Beltre laughed and said, "I don't remember."

He eventually signed a five-year, $80 million contract with the Rangers.