5:43pm: GM Jon Daniels told reporters that the club has had productive talks with Hamilton and his agent, and the two sides are "moving in [the] direction of a deal" according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports and Anthony Andro of The Star Telegram (Twitter links).
4:52pm: Josh Hamilton and the Rangers have discussed a two-year deal, according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News (on Twitter). Talks between the Rangers and the reigning AL MVP have been positive, though their submissions for Hamilton's 2011 salary were far apart. Texas offered $8.7MM, while Hamilton countered with a $12MM bid.
That gap means Hamilton's arbitration case is arguably the most interesting one of the year. The Rangers are open to extending Hamilton and if the sides discuss a longer term deal, It's conceivable that Hamilton could demand a nine-figure contract.
Hamilton earned $3.25MM last year in his first season as an arbitration eligible player; a two-year deal would buy out his remaining seasons of arbitration eligibility, but woludn't delay his free agency. Earlier in the offseason, NL MVP Joey Votto signed a three-year extension that covers his arbitration years without delaying his free agency.
To keep the man you gotta pay the man
the cocaine!…….
his bones are brittle!……….
his nose is going to fall off!……….
this guy won’t be playing baseball in two years!………
I laughed a bit. Then I felt bad
just wanted to get it out there. not hard to guess the direction the comments usually go when this topic is brought up
not cool.
somewhere around 20-25 over two years.
why would you not buy out FA years?
Because you’re Walt Jocketty?
Bazinga.
Walt gained control of 3 FA years for Bruce and 2 FA years for Cueto this offseason. Not bad.
Bazinga.
Maybe not bad, time will tell. I have to think the Bruce thing is way too big a risk. And the Votto deal is just a head scratcher. I (sincerely) hope it works out for them but I just can’t get behind the Bruce or Votto moves.
the bruce deal was pretty darn good. the votto deal was unneccesary
The Bruce deal MAY end up being pretty darn good, but I just don’t get why the rush? He was locked up through the 2014 season as it was. At least they bought out 2 (maybe 3) years of free agency with that deal, but it seems like an early, unnecessary mover for a small market team.
But I really am sincere when I say it works out.
2 years/$18MM or 6 years/$111MM, in this observer’s humble opinion.
Well – the 2 year estimate is a little low considering that he is guaranteed at least $9m with the potential to earn $12m. That would slot his final year anywhere from $12m – $15m.
More like 2/21 to about 2/27.
I can see them buying out some free agent years if they are serious about extending him, he seems to be a great fit in Texas, so why not try to extend him longer, its not like he is 36.
Cole Hamels for Hamilton straight up…who hangs up first?
I think Texas. Phillies sadly enough could afford to let go of Hamels and still have a dominating pitching staff.
Daniels launches his phone at the wall