After playing for the Rangers for five seasons, and winning the American League MVP while with the club, Josh Hamilton signed with the Angels as a free agent in 2012. He was traded back to the Texas in 2015. Now, his second stint with the club has come to an end.
Hamilton had been on the 60-day disabled list and has not played in a game this year. He underwent knee surgery after last season and had another procedure in June that brought an end to his 2016 season before it began. On Tuesday, the Rangers activated Hamilton from the disabled list and placed him unconditional release waivers.
Rangers have activated OF Josh Hamilton and placed him on unconditional release waivers.
— John Blake (@RangerBlake) August 23, 2016
The 35-year-old Hamilton has one year left on his contract and is owed $28 million. The Angels are responsible for paying $26.41 million of that amount.
In 50 games last year, Hamilton hit .253 with 8 home runs and 25 RBI. Given his age and injury history, it’s almost a certainty Hamilton will go unclaimed and become a free agent. Hamilton has indicated he should be 100 percent by spring training next year and is hoping to continue his career. Now, it’s just a matter a team giving him the opportunity to do that.
