Josh Hamilton is heading back to Texas.
After days of speculation, the Los Angeles Angels officially shipped the beleaguered 33-year-old to the Texas Rangers on Monday in exchange for cash considerations or a player to be named later.
"Over the course of the last few weeks, it became clear that Josh wanted to return to Texas," Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto told Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times. "We were able to complete a trade that in the end is the right decision for everyone involved."
In order to rid themselves of Hamilton, however, the Angels are expected to cover the majority - about $68 million - of the $80.2 million remaining on his contract, according to multiple reports.
Hamilton is also expected to sacrifice $6 million - an inconsequential concession due to the absence of income tax in Texas - leaving the Rangers responsible for less than $7 million over three years. He can opt out of the deal after the two years.
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Hamilton signed a five-year, $125-million deal with Los Angeles following a brilliant stint in Texas, but his future with the Angels grew increasingly uncertain this winter after the five-time All-Star - whose addiction problems have been extremely well-documented - admitted to a substance-abuse relapse.
Several members of the Angels' front office made public statements that suggested little interest in repairing their relationship with Hamilton, who was not disciplined by Major League Baseball after reporting his relapse directly to the league office in February.
"The Angels have serious concerns about Josh’s conduct, health and behavior and we are disappointed that he has broken an important commitment which he made to himself, his family, his teammates and our fans," Dipoto said in a statement.
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports Hamilton was so intent on returning to Texas that he vetoed a trade to another team in a move that would have saved the $6 million he's giving up to play for the Rangers. Multiple reports also say Hamilton wanted out of Southern California for his own well-being.
Hamilton, who underwent offseason shoulder surgery, has yet to play this season, but was reportedly added to the Rangers' 40-man roster Monday after Nick Tepesch was transferred to the 60-day disabled list, according to Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Hamilton is expected to spend 10 more days rehabbing his shoulder in Arizona before joining the Rangers' Triple-A affiliate in Round Rock.