Former LA Angels Bust Josh Hamilton Released by Rangers

The LA Angels seemed to create a superteam when they signed Josh Hamilton to a five-year, 125-million dollar contract 2012. However, we all know how that went down. Hamilton is once again a free agent, as he has been released by the Texas Rangers.

The LA Angels decided to spend big money on Hamilton just one year after breaking the bank for Albert Pujols and C.J Wilson. Bringing Hamilton into a mix that involved them and the reigning Rookie of the Year Mike Trout led many to believe that the Angels would be contending.

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Needless to say, Hamilton’s performance was lackluster. In the two seasons playing for the Angels, he hit a combined .255 with with 31 home runs and 123 RBI’s. For comparison, Hamilton had three individual seasons where he hit more than 31 long balls and two seasons where he topped 123 RBI’s. Halo faithful quickly turned from optimistic fans of Hamilton to a group calling for his benching.

After the 2014 season, Hamilton was rehabbing from an injury when he relapsed. He was formerly addicted to cocaine in the early stages of his career. This relapse effectively ended his tenure as an Angel, as he was traded back to the Texas Rangers early in the season. The Angels agreed to still pay for the majority of his large contract. This season they will be paying him north of 27-million dollars. Luckily, it is his final season under the contract.

Hamilton has been rehabbing from a left knee injury that required surgery. However, he injured his right knee while making his most recent comeback. This new injury seemed to be significant, as Hamilton would reportedly miss all of 2017 with the upcoming surgery.

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This led the Rangers to release him from his minor league contract, a move that could end his career. At nearly 36 years old, it seems unlikely a team will take a chance on the former American League MVP.

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Hamilton’s once promising career has been derailed by addiction and injuries. At this point, Hamilton’s focus should be on staying healthy and sober for his family.