If we are talking on talent alone, Josh Hamilton is most certainly worth superstar money.
But, as well all know with Hamilton talent can’t be the only factor.
His addiction to alcohol has been well documented, as Hamilton has struggled to stay clean. You also have to factor in the fact that while playing for the Rangers, he missed an average of 32 games a season. Meaning a GM will have to assume he will be without Hamilton for at least a month every season.
From Hamilton’s point of view, he is ready to cash in. According to John Perrotto of Baseball Prospectus, Hamilton is looking for a deal in the range of 7 years, $175 million.
While I’ll never knock someone for trying to get their money, I couldn’t see a scenario where any franchise would offer that type of money to a player with such a checkered past.
Then again, I would have never imagined Albert Pujols getting a 10 years, $254 million last off-season.