Texas Rangers signing of Josh Hamilton is win-win
The Texas Rangers re-signed outfielder Josh Hamilton to minor league deal Tuesday afternoon. This is a great deal all around for a few reasons.
Outfielder Josh Hamilton hasn’t taken the field for the Texas Rangers since October of 2015. Left knee surgery kept him out of the 2016 season, but he told reporters that he feels better than ever. He’s even considering a move to first base in order to get more playing time. This is a great opportunity for the Rangers, and it’s a final shot for Hamilton. If things go even halfway well, this could work out for everyone.
Texas and Anaheim are still paying him
Before anyone goes and calls this a waste of money, consider the fact that the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Texas are both still paying Josh. As part of his trade back to Texas in 2015, the Angels are paying $26M of his remaining $28M in 2017.
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Even though Texas released him this past August, both teams would still have to honor the contract. The release was just for the sake of a needed roster spot at the time.
Whether re-signed or not by Texas, he was going to receive $28M this season. But now with a minor league deal, which is very low-risk for the Rangers, this gives him an opportunity to prove himself.
If he can’t, he stays in the minors or hangs it up. But if he does, then the Rangers have gained another weapon.
He wants to play first base
With Mitch Moreland signing a deal with the Boston Red Sox, Texas has a void at first, now. Hamilton stated to the press Tuesday that he’s happy to give the move a try. This could also work out well.
It could save some wear and tear on his body as he’d be running, leaping and crashing into walls at a far slower pace. He’s shown the quickness and reflexes in the past that would work well at first base and less physical exertion could relax his offensive game. The change could be exactly what he needs to boost his game and get him back to playing at a high level.
He doesn’t have to be “MVP Josh”
Hamilton set the bar ridiculously high when he won the American League MVP in 2010. He led the league in batting average, slugging and OPS that season while belting 32 home runs and driving in 100 runs. It was one of the most impressive offensive seasons in Rangers history.
But he doesn’t have to be “that” Josh, now. While his offensive numbers have decreased in his past few seasons, they haven’t deteriorated to the point of worthlessness. If he put in at least half of the guy he was in 2010, Texas would be getting a deal.
It’s a low-risk move
He still has to earn a roster spot, which is honestly a really good possibility. He could platoon between outfield and first while DH’ing from time to time. He still provides a big power threat and drives the ball to the gap well, especially against right-handed pitchers.
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It’s honestly a no-brainer. The Rangers could have paid him to sit at home and watch baseball, or add just a little bit more and give him a tryout. It’s a great move and by mid-season, Texas fans might realize this as well.