Josh Hamilton Traded Back to Texas Rangers

The Los Angeles Angels threw in the towel on outfielder Josh Hamilton, sending him back to the Texas Rangers for either cash or a player to be named later. The Angels threw a five year $125 million free agent contract at Hamilton before the 2013 season, luring him away from the Rangers, with whom he’d had great success.

Hamilton hit .250 with 21 home runs and 79 RBIs in 151 games with Los Angeles in 2013, and was limited by injuries to 89 games last season, batting .263 with 10 homers and 44 RBIs. In 2012, his last year with Texas, Hamilton hit a career high 43 homers with 128 RBIS and a .285 batting average. He led the American League with a .359 average in 2010, when he was the league’s MVP. This season, he’s been on the disabled list since February recovering from shoulder surgery and has not played.

Hamilton’s problems with drug and alcohol abuse have been well documented, and his recovery and return to baseball from the abyss has been celebrated but he has had relapses. He self reported one such relapse over the winter, and while he has not been suspended by Major League Baseball, this apparently was the last straw for the Angels’ management. Hamilton has also filed for divorce; it is not known if the relapse and divorce are related, but it certainly couldn’t have helped.

The outfielder never seemed to fit in with the Angels, and is happy to be back in Texas. His support network is well established there, something he will need forever as he battles his addictions. Now it’s up to Hamilton to prove he can still play.