The last time the Texas Rangers invested $200 million or more in a position player, Tom Hicks ended up losing control of his franchise and Alex Rodriguez went on to win an elusive World Series ring….with another team. And with that history firmly in mind, the Dallas Morning News’ Evan Grant warns that with Josh Hamilton’s contractual commitment to the Rangers coming to an end this autumn, saying farewell to the born-again outfielder might be the smart bet.
Q: If the Rangers win the world series this year would it make it easier for them to cut bait with Josh Hamilton and let someone else give him $100M?
Evan Grant: It’s never easy to walk away from a talent of that magnitude. But let’s face facts, Hamilton is going to be looking at $150 mm if not $200 and the examples of the LA Angels and Detroit Tigers this year should be cautionary tales to anybody who wants to jump in the boat with $20 million per year players. Unless you go to the Yankees level of payroll, you simply can’t spend on those players and fill out a deep roster. It would be tough to let Hamilton walk, but it might be the better business decision, not because I have any doubts about Hamilton’s ability, but I have doubts about how the Rangers would be able to sustain a consistent contender with that contract at the center.