The long-anticipated deal sending outfielder Josh Hamilton from the Los Angeles Angels back to the Texas Rangers is now complete.
Through their Twitter account, the Angels announced that they have received a player to be named later or cash considerations from Texas for the former American League MVP.
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’s off-field issues have been well documented. He had been away from the team since February after suffering a setback in his battle against alcohol and drug addiction. The outfielder’s future with the team was pretty much etched in stone at that point, especially after the Angels failed to show any public support for him.
Hamilton, who signed a five-year, $125 million contract with the Angels prior to the 2013 campaign, has fallen on hard times both on and off the diamond. This past season saw him hit .263 with just 10 homers and 44 RBI’s.
The good news here is that Hamilton returns to the city that saw him pull off one of the best comebacks in MLB history after his initial issues with chemical dependency with the Tampa Bay Rays organization last decade. This should help him overcome his latest setback.
On the field, the Rangers are hoping they can help Hamilton return to form. He hit .305 with 142 homers and 506 RBI’s in five seasons with the team from 2008-2012.
Photo: USA Today Sports