The Los Angeles Angels must already be nervous about the five-year, $125 million contract they signed Josh Hamilton to last season. The 32-year-old outfielder had his worst statistical season in years, hitting a career-low .250. He belted 21 homers and drove in just 79 runs.
Hamilton is hoping to restore his swing in 2014 and get back to being the player he was for five seasons with the Texas Rangers. His first order of business has been gaining weight. During a guest appearance with the Louisville baseball team last week, Hamilton said he has gained 28 pounds during the offseason.
Prior to 2013, Hamilton committed to not eating processed foods or gluten. His power numbers dipped.
“I didn’t feel like my power was where it needed to be,” Hamilton said, per The Courier-Journal. “But overall I still feel good about eating healthy and lifting heavier weights this offseason.”
The Courier-Journal also posted a video of Hamilton speaking to reporters, and he didn’t appear fat by any means. Athletes often try to slim down as they get older, but maybe adding some muscle would be beneficial for Hamilton. If he lost a bunch of weight and his numbers dipped all around, that would be one logical solution.
