Josh Hamilton could be headed back to Texas
The Los Angeles Angels reportedly are close to a deal that would send troubled outfielder Josh Hamilton back to the Texas Rangers.
On Friday, a few hours after SI.com reported that Hamilton could be gone from the Angels in a matter of days, MLB.com, USA Today and ESPN.com reported that the Angels were in serious trade talks with the Rangers about a potential deal that would send Hamilton back to the place where he won the American League MVP award in 2010.
Hamilton, who in February admitted to relapsing and abusing drugs and alcohol, began this season on the disabled list after he underwent right shoulder surgery on Feb. 4. He was expected to begin baseball activities at the Angels’ spring training complex in Arizona soon.
Hamilton, 33, has been rehabbing the shoulder in the Houston area for the past two months, while also dealing with the issue of his self-reported drug and alcohol-related relapse.
After an arbiter ruled that Hamilton should not be suspended by Major League Baseball for violating his treatment program, Angels owner Arte Moreno said he wouldn’t guarantee Hamilton would ever play again for the Angels, even though Hamilton is still owed $83 million by the club.
Since signing a five-year, $125 million contract with the Angels in December 2012, Hamilton has struggled with injuries and production. Last season, he was limited to 89 games and batted .263 with a .331 on-base percentage, a .414 slugging percentage, 10 home runs and 44 RBIs. He has totaled 31 homers and 123 RBIs in the last two seasons.
