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MLB Free Agency: Are There Options for Josh Hamilton?

By Matt Meffe

May 25, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Texas Rangers left fielder Josh Hamilton (32) reacts in the dugout prior to a game against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Texas Rangers left fielder Josh Hamilton (32) reacts in the dugout prior to a game against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 3, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers left fielder Josh Hamilton (32) follows through on his solo home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the seventh inning of a baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Angels won 11-10. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers left fielder Josh Hamilton (32) follows through on his solo home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the seventh inning of a baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Angels won 11-10. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports /

Josh Hamilton has been through some good, some bad, and some ugly throughout his career. Now, he looks to make a comeback, but is there any team interested in signing him?

Josh Hamilton was once a formidable outfielder for the Texas Rangers. Hamilton made his Rangers debut in 2008 after a trade from Cincinnati, and he immediately made an impact. In his first full season, Hamilton broke out by slugging 32 home runs while driving in 130 runs. His 2008 campaign included his first Silver Slugger Award, his first All-Star selection, his dominant performance in the 2008 Home Run Derby, and his first MVP consideration.

After a down year in 2009, Hamilton captured the AL MVP in 2010 with another dominant season. Hamilton hit .359, winning the AL Batting Title, slugged 32 home runs with a .633 slugging percentage, and drove in 100 runs. Hamilton’s numbers dipped in 2011 but bounced back in 2012, where Hamilton hit a career-high 43 home runs. Hamilton then left Texas for Los Angeles, where his career would take a sudden turn for the worse.

Off the field, Josh Hamilton has dealt with a plethora of personal issues. These issues were a result of alcoholism. Hamilton has had several relapses throughout his career which has negatively affected his play on the field. In addition, Hamilton has dealt with injuries, which led to some downtime in Texas and a large amount of downtime in Los Angeles. As a result of all of these issues, Hamilton was limited to only 139 games in 2014 and 2015 with the Angels and Rangers. A combination of injuries also cost Hamilton the entire 2016 season. Now, the slugger has reportedly been cleared of all of his injuries, and is eyeing a comeback. The now 35-year old outfielder is well past his prime, so a large contract is highly doubtful. Considering his history, there aren’t many suitors available if Hamilton is going to start.

Here are three potential suitors for outfielder Josh Hamilton:

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