Josh Hamilton: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation on Star's Future with Angels

Outfielder Josh Hamilton's future with the Los Angeles Angels is very much in question, but the two sides are in talks to reach some type of resolution.

Continue for updates.

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Angels, Rangers Reportedly Discussing Hamilton Trade

Friday, April 24

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reported that the deal sending Hamilton to Texas is done except for a few ancillary details. Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports added that the Angels are expected to pay around $15 million of Hamilton's remaining salary.

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports first reported that the Angels are close to parting ways with Hamilton. T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com noted that the likely destination for Hamilton is the Rangers, as the two sides are working out a trade. The deal reportedly still has a lot of work to be done, but could be announced on Monday

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Angels Reportedly Have Hamilton Comeback Plan

Tuesday, April 21

Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reported that the Angels have come up with a comeback plan for Josh Hamilton: 

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Under the tentative plan, Hamilton would report to the Angels' Arizona training complex for two to three weeks of work with the team's extended spring program. He would then proceed to a minor league rehabilitation assignment and could rejoin the Angels thereafter.

Hamilton is expected to report to Arizona "sooner rather than later," according to a person familiar with the plan but unwilling to discuss it publicly until the Angels announce it. The person spoke before the Angels' 6-3 loss to the Oakland Athletics at Angel Stadium on Monday.

The plan does not guarantee that Hamilton plays again for the Angels, but at the least it buys time for owner Arte Moreno. If Hamilton appears sound enough that his presence on the roster could give the Angels their best chance to win, the players might be discouraged if Moreno lets Hamilton go.

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Trade, Buyout Potentially on the Table

Saturday, April 18

Despite having yet to play a game in 2015, Hamilton has dominated headlines since it was revealed that he had a substance-abuse relapse during the offseason. Shortly around that time, Hamilton also filed for divorce from his wife, Katie, according to Naheed Rajwani of The Dallas Morning News. 

The 33-year-old slugger was not disciplined by Major League Baseball, but he is out as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury. Even when Hamilton is ready to play, though, the Angels may not welcome him back.

According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Los Angeles is looking into trading him:

That could be difficult due to Hamilton's bloated contract, which is why buying him out is also a potential option, albeit a somewhat unlikely one:

Hamilton's play dropped off last year, as he hit just .263 with 10 home runs and 44 RBI while missing nearly half the season, but the biggest concern may relate to his off-field issues.

With that said, Angels pitcher C.J. Wilson is confident Hamilton has moved past the relapse, per ESPN.com.

"I feel like he's in a good place and he's doing the right things," Wilson said. "He's going through the counseling stuff that's good for him. I feel like he's ready to go in that regard."

There is no question that Hamilton's lefty bat is a huge addition to the Angels lineup when he is healthy and playing up to his potential.

The organization seems to be hesitant to bring him back, though, which means it is possible Hamilton has played his last game for the Angels.

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