Arlington, Texas ? Rafael Palmeiro wants to finish his career with the Texas Rangers; owner Tom Hicks says that’s also what he wants.

Making it happen isn’t that easy.

Palmeiro played Sunday night not knowing if it would be his last home game with the Rangers. He is eligible for free agency after this season.

“When you go into an offseason not knowing what’s going to happen, it’s a little uncomfortable,” Palmeiro said. “But I have to deal with it.”

When he batted in the first inning against the Angels, Palmeiro got an extended standing ovation from the fans. He popped out on the first pitch.

While both sides want to stay together, the Rangers have made it clear that if Palmeiro returns, he will have to take pay cut. Palmeiro made $9 million this season while becoming the 19th player to hit 500 career homers.

Palmeiro, who turns 39 Wednesday, has said he is willing to play for less money. What is uncertain is just how much of a pay cut the rebuilding Rangers, who are in last place for the fourth straight season, will seek.

“When we had our very serious conversation before the trading deadline,” Hicks said Sunday, “there was a much bigger gap than I thought there would be, but we’ll see.”

Hicks won’t discuss specifics.

The Rangers tried in July to trade Palmeiro to the Chicago Cubs, where he started his career in 1986. The slugger blocked the deal with his no-trade clause.

By not going to the Cubs for the end of the season, Palmeiro may have hurt his chances of staying in Texas.