ANAHEIM, Calif. – Feeling “a little upset” that Texas didn’t move quickly enough to re-sign him, free-agent outfielder Josh Hamilton donned a Los Angeles Angels jersey on Saturday after finalizing a $125 million, five-year contract that he called a new chapter in his life.
“I started off with the Devil Rays and now I’m an Angel,” said the five-time All-Star who was drafted by Tampa Bay before making his major league debut with Cincinnati in 2007.
Hamilton, the 2010 AL MVP, joins a batting order that already includes Albert Pujols and AL Rookie of the Year Mike Trout. The 31-year-old Hamilton hit a career-high 43 home runs last season and batted .285 with 128 RBIs in 148 games.
“To get a guy like Josh and combine him with Albert is going to give us building blocks for what we hope is years to come,” manager Mike Scioscia said. “We can’t wait.”
Neither can dozens of red-clad Angels fans, who lined up outside a restaurant where Hamilton was introduced.![]()
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