As the dust begins to settle on Josh Hamilton’s return to the Texas Rangers, more details surrounding the trade which shipped the troubled outfielder from the Los Angeles Angels back to the place he called home for five seasons continue to emerge.
Here is the latest news from inside sources around the league:
Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star Telegram reports that the Rangers are unlikely to send anything to the Angels in return for Hamilton. Based on Wilson’s tweet, it becomes even more evident just how badly the Angels wanted to rid themselves of Hamilton.
Wording of Josh Hamilton deal calls for #Rangers to send cash or PTBNL, but only as a formality. Source: #Rangers aren’t giving up anything.
— Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilson_FWST) April 27, 2015
Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports also provided more insight into the events leading up to the deal, as well as the final terms of Hamilton’s return to Texas.
Source: Hamilton vetoed trade to another club, a trade in which he would not have relinquished any cash. Wanted to return to #Rangers.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) April 27, 2015
Source: #Rangers’ obligation to Hamilton less than $7M over three years, as was previously reported. Hamilton can opt out after two years…
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) April 27, 2015
…#Angels obligated to pay entire buyout if Hamilton opts out. Exact dollar figure of buyout not yet known.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) April 27, 2015
Hamilton continues to rehab from offseason shoulder surgery, and had returned to Houston in the weeks leading up to the trade. With his fate sealed and a return to Texas officially announced, Hamilton may begin baseball activities as early as this week.
Follow Josh Sadlock on Twitter @JoshSadlock.
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