Jon Heyman of CBS Sports is reporting that the deal which will send Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton back to the Texas Rangers has officially been agreed upon between the two teams.
hamilton deal is done, according to sources
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) April 27, 2015
The trade, which was first reported to be nearing completion on Friday was held up as terms regarding the remaining money owed Hamilton were ironed out. The Rangers receive Hamilton and cash considerations, while the Angels will receive a player to be named later or future cash considerations. Hamilton will be reintroduced to Texas media with a press conference to be held within the hour.
Hamilton’s tenure with the Angels comes to an end after an offseason cocaine relapse caused Angels’ management to sour on their desire to continue on with Hamilton on their roster. In two seasons with the Angels, Hamilton was a massive disappointment, batting only .255 with 31 home runs and 123 runs batted in over only 240 games. The nearly 34-year old outfielder continues to rehab from offseason shoulder surgery.
Hamilton returns to Texas where he first became a Major League star. In five years with the Rangers, Hamilton batted .305 with 142 home runs and 506 driven in. He was a five-time All Star, and won the 2010 MVP in a season in which he slashed .359/.411/.633 with 32 home runs and 100 RBI.
The completion of the trade brings the messy divorce between Hamilton and the Angels to a conclusion. The relationship between the player and team became irreparable following Angels’ managements repeated public comments voicing their displeasure that Hamilton would not be disciplined for his drug relapse. A return to Texas may be the best thing for Hamilton as it marks a return to a familiar place for the troubled player.
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