The deal is done – the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have dealt outfielder Josh Hamilton back to the Texas Rangers.
Today the #Angels have traded OF Josh Hamilton to Texas for a player to be named later or cash consideration.
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) April 27, 2015
Hamilton signed a massive five-year, $125 million contract with the Angels prior to the 2013 season, but never seemed to be a fit with Anaheim. He played just 240 games over two seasons, hitting .255/.316/.426 with just 31 home runs. This offseason, Hamilton suffered a relapse that went public, leading to strong words from the Angels and specifically owner Arte Moreno that destroyed what was left of his relationship with the team.
When Hamilton is ready to come off of the disabled list, he’ll rejoin a Rangers team where he thrived. Hamilton made the All-Star team in all five of his seasons with Texas, won three AL Silver Slugger awards, was named the 2010 AL MVP, and led the Rangers to the first (and only) two pennants in club history. But the 33-year old made waves when he signed with the Angels and said that Dallas wasn’t a “baseball town“, leading to a firmly negative reaction from Rangers fans upon his return.
The Rangers could really use a healthy Hamilton in the heart of their lineup. Fellow highly-paid outfielder Shin-Soo Choo has been a disappointment for the second straight year. Four different Rangers have gotten playing time in left field, and only Carlos Peguero has been an above average hitter – and he’s barely above average.
As for the Angels, they’ll have to go with what they have now, and can stop banking on a Hamilton return bolstering their lineup. C.J. Cron will keep getting the bulk of the reps at DH, while the ugly, sub-replacement level Collin Cowgill/Matt Joyce platoon will keep manning left field. But ending the Hamilton saga was necessary after Moreno napalmed the bridge that would have led to his return, and the amount of money they’ll end up paying the Rangers and Hamilton could make Moreno’s comments look incredibly foolish when all is said and done.
