Rangers Release Josh Hamilton, Open To Him Returning In 2017

By: Josh Clark

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DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - The Rangers have released outfielder Josh Hamilton, however, his time in Texas may not be over.

In a statement released Tuesday, Rangers GM and President of Baseball Operations, Jon Daniels, expressed an interest in Hamilton returning next season.

"We plan to monitor Josh's progress as he continues his rehab process and is medically cleared this winter," said President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Jon Daniels. "Given the rules in place, releasing him before the end of this month allows us to keep the door open to extending the relationship in the future."

Hamilton began the 2016 season on the 15-day DL as he continued to rehab from off-season surgery he had on his left knee. He was assigned to Double-A Frisco on a rehab assignment before experiencing continued knee discomfort after one game of action. Hamilton was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 7 and underwent another surgery on June 8 to repair a torn ACL and cartilage damage in his left knee.

At an event last month, where he was honored with the dedication of a youth baseball field, Hamilton told reporters that he was willing to return to the club on a minor league deal and compete for a job next spring.

Hamilton is owed $26.4 million from the Angels for the 2017 season, while Texas is still on the hook for $2 million.

The Angels signed Hamilton to a five-year contract worth $125 million in 2013. He was ultimately traded back to Texas in April of 2015.

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