Rangers GM Jon Daniels says the club has already had internal discussions about extending Josh Hamilton and, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas, the team will contact Hamilton's agent to discuss a long term deal this offseason. Hamilton, who was named AL MVP yesterday, says he intends to stay out of the negotiations.
Even before he won the MVP award, Hamilton was in position to command a substantial raise. He earned $3.25MM in 2010, his first time as an arbitration eligible player. The 29-year-old is still two years away from free agency, but 32% of MLBTR readers said they would not offer him an extension in a recent poll.
NL MVP Joey Votto will discuss a long-term deal with the Reds, Hamilton's former team.
“32% of MLBTR readers said they would not offer him an extension” I didn’t even remember seeing that poll, but anyways I think Texas would give him a 5 year deal not too sure of the dollars, but defitinley over 100 million
More than $20MM per year when he hasn’t even reached free agency yet? That seems expensive to me, but then again your username is NYY! Since you’re buying out two arb years where he would not earn over 20MM, you’d have to give him $30MM for his first three free agent years to make the total package over $100.
Realistically, I’d think maybe 5yr/$85MM? Backloaded like 8,14,20,20,23 perhaps.
Ted- I think nyy4288 was being facetious. I don’t think anybody in their right minds would guarantee Hamilton $20MM+ per season, let alone for 5+ years.
I think Hamilton’s worth is about $16MM per. I’d offer him a 4 year/$60MM deal with a club option for $20MM for a total potential of 5/$85 and include about a millions “if/but/however” clauses in the contract to account for relapses or injuries.
This should be an interesting negotiation.. Hamilton’s struggles have really humbled him and appreciative of his second (or third?) chance at baseball and life.. He’s an incredible talent, I wonder if he gives them a discount, I just can’t see the guy being greedy and asking for top dollar.. I could honestly see him signing a 5/75 deal…
Then again, I’m sure his agent will have something to say about that
The part where he mentions that he is going to stay out of it and let his agent do the work might preclude the Rangers from getting much of a discount. Which would be unfortunate for them. Hamilton is certainly a risky investment.
This might not be the case. Hamilton can stay out of the negotiations but also inform his agent from the beginning that he doesn’t care about top dollar.
Hamilton’s former team for about two seconds, that is.
He was in Cincinnati for a full season. He only played in 89 games due to injuries (go figure). You make it sound like he was on the Reds for a week.
which former team if im correct he was drafted by the rays, moved to the cubs(i may have heard that wrong) then moved to the reds…
Cubs selected Hamilton in the rule 5 draft, and then within hours sold him to the Reds (for 100k — 50k for the draft expense and 50k profit).
It is baffling to me why these teams think it is a good idea to extend players after MVP years. There’s no way that they’re going to get a good deal like that!
Idk man look at the bragin Pedroia came at. I think they payed him like 3 mill last year.
One can only imagine how good the reds would be with both Votto and Hamilton on their team.
Hamilton and bruce, wow!
My fantasy team confirms that this would be a resounding success.
Josh has to look out for his family. I’m sure he’d love to give the Rangers a discount, but he has an agent and his agent will try and get the reigning AL MVP the best deal he can. Makes sense. I personally would go 4 yrs and 80 mil on Josh what with his injuries in the past and knowing that the Rangers are under no obligation to offer him much at this point. I think it says a lot about the new ownership that they are willing to discuss this now while Josh is doing well instead of waiting him out and buying low if Josh were to have a mediocre or injury-riddled season next year.
Look out for his family? I’m pretty sure after $10MM or so in the bank, a family is financially safe for at least a couple of generations, especially in his case since he is on a tight fiscal leash to avoid being led into temptation. $20MM per seems ridiculous right now, especially over just 4 years. This isn’t Manny Ramirez here. 5/$85 max with a whole boatload of clauses to void the contract or slash his pay if he relapses or has server injuries, etc.
MadmanTX, really? Does anyone actually read the transcripts of Josh Hamilton, or listen to what he ACTUALLY says? He is happy that he got his life back and gives the glory to God. He doesn’t care about the money, that’s why he is leaving it up to his agent. With that being said, the Rangers should sign him to a $45M/5 year deal that includes some $4-8M/year in incentives. Hamilton’s health risk is a big factor, but I’m confident that Hamilton would have no problem playing for the Rangers on a contract that pays you more for doing better.