Josh Hamilton has seen his star go from red hot on the Rangers to ice cold on the Angels, and he’s just in year one of a five year deal.
Hamilton’s struggles at the plate have reached historic lows and there’s no signs indicating a turnaround in sight. Hamilton has 4 more years left on a 5 year $125 million contract he signed in the off season with the Angels.
Hamilton has not been doing his best to carry the team, boasting just a .213 batting average, 10 homers and 24 RBI. It’s no wonder why the Angels are 31-40 and second from last place.
In Tuesday’s game vs the Seattle Mariners things became obvious that Hamilton is in something deeper than an early season slump. He went 0-5 with two strikeouts in a 3-2 loss against the Mariners. He also left 7 runners on base and tied an Angels’ franchise record by grounding out into three double plays….in one game.
Even more damning is the fact that Hamilton became the second player since 1916 to go hitless, strike out twice and ground into three double plays in a single game. No doubt panic has set in for the franchise, and maybe a tinge of buyer’s remorse.
It’s still early in the season, but if Hamilton doesn’t start producing he’ll start taking the brunt of the blame–even with Pujols also not living up to his part.
This is precisely the reason why teams were leery about giving big bucks to Hamilton during his free agency, but the Angels took the bait and so far it’s been an utter fail.
H/T: Larry Brown Sports