The Los Angeles Angels are close to finalizing a deal that would send Josh Hamilton to the Texas Rangers.
Hamilton’s relationship with the Angels has become strained after he had a drug relapse in the offseason. The Angels weren’t happy when an arbitrator ruled on April 3 that Hamilton didn’t violate the terms of his treatment program, because he self-reported his drug relapse to Major League Baseball before failing a drug test.
After that ruling the Angels were unsure about Hamilton rejoining the team because they weren’t happy with the decision and has “serious concerns about Hamilton’s conduct, health, and behavior.” Hamilton is owed $83 million through 2017. The Rangers are expected to pay about $15 million of that, while the Angels would pay the difference, according to Yahoo Sports. The Angels would have had to pay Hamilton’s entire salary if they had released him, MLB.com notes.
The Rangers acquired Hamilton from the Cincinnati Reds in 2007. While with the Rangers Hamilton won back to back American League pennants in 2010 and 2011, made the All-Star team five years in a row, and won the American League MVP in 2010. He signed a five-year, $125 million contract with the Angels in 2012. With the Angels he has hit .255 with a .741 OPS and hasn’t played so far this season due to recovering from a shoulder injury, according to ESPN. He has 31 homeruns and 123 RBIs with the Angels.
Hamilton returning to the Rangers would be good for the Rangers, whose outfield has struggled this season. The Rangers outfield ranked 29th and 28th in batting average (.194) and OPS (.576) entering Friday night. The deal could be announced on Monday.