UPDATE: 4/27/15 – The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have officially traded Josh Hamilton to the Texas Rangers for a player to be named later or cash considerations. The Angels had just finished a three-game series this weekend against the Rangers, taking two out of the three games.
http://gty.im/454313600
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have decided that the best thing to do is to part ways with Josh Hamilton. Having suffered a substance-abuse relapse and a shoulder injury, Hamilton is yet to see any action this season. It was apparent that Hamilton was never really comfortable in his stint with the Angels. After being a career .305 hitter with the Texas Rangers from 2008 to 2012, he dropped to a .255 batting average over the next two years with the Angels.
Hamilton was one of the most exciting players in the league and earned an AL MVP Award in 2010 while with the Rangers. That year, Hamilton hit for a .359 average with 32 home runs and 100 RBIs.
An issue for Hamilton is his current contract, as he is owed $83 million over the next three seasons and the Rangers are currently in rebuilding mode. It does not entirely make sense for them to trade for him, but they seem to be willing to take a chance on Hamilton since he already proven that he can play well with them.
As for the Angels, it appears they will eat all or most of the $83 million that they owe Hamilton, but they do get to move him on as it appears that he is no longer wanted with the Angels.
The latest reports show that the Texas Rangers will pick up about $15 million of Josh Hamilton’s salary.
Angels trade Josh Hamilton to Rangers Reported cost to Texas: < $7M for remaining 3 years; cost to LAA: $68M of remaining amount on deal
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 27, 2015