It does not feel good to single out any Major League player and question their individual value, but baseball has become more of a business than a club. Following that line of reasoning, salary should be commensurate with production. This has not been the case for one of the biggest free agent signings of 2013.
Josh Hamilton of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim signed a five year deal for $125 million dollars. That averages out to $25 million dollars per year. Keep in mind that the average salary for an Angel player is approximately $4.8 million per year and the average salary for a Major League Outfielder is approximately $3.8 million per year.
I’m sure the Angel franchise was hoping for Hamilton’s offensive production to be on par with his time spent as a Texas Ranger. If Hamilton’s 2013 statistics are any indication of the next four years, Josh Hamilton will be extremely overvalued as a player.
Currently, Josh Hamilton ranks as the twenty-third highest paid player in all of baseball. Hamilton’s OPS (.641) as an Outfielder for 2013 has him rated last in the Major Leagues for all position players with at least 251 at bats. That’s a very disturbing statistic. Another glaring disparity is the 2013 WAR and salary comparison between Hamilton, $17 million salary, 1.5 WAR versus fellow Outfield teammate, Mike Trout, $510,000 salary, 9.2 WAR. Additionally, Josh Hamilton posted average career lows in every major offensive category. In 2014, he will be due another $17 million for his age thirty-three season. At this point, Hamilton will be four years removed from his break-out MVP season in which he posted a 1.044 OPS and 8.9 WAR.
Can he reclaim that 2010 form? Unfortunately, age and history are not on his side. Hopefully, 2013 was an aberration and Hamilton can finally settle into California living. Obviously, one must consider the human factor of nagging injuries and Hamilton trying to break the tobacco habit.
Regardless, the club had a losing season in 2013, going 78-84, with average attendance and television ratings dropping slightly. This was not what Angel ownership expected from this team and it’s high-priced free agent.
In my humble opinion Josh Hamilton is worth every penny. He is solid in character and ability. I think he will turn things around this year. Consider this, he makes less than Prince Fielder.
ReplyDeleteBob,
ReplyDeleteFrom a fan's perspective, you make a valid point. Josh Hamilton has excised his demons and works hard at his craft and in his spiritual like. He can be a very exciting player at times. Unfortunately, baseball age is not on his side. He struggles to remain healthy over the course of a season unlike Prince Fielder who rarely has missed a game. Hopefully, having Don Baylor as the Angels new hitting coach, Hamilton can bounce back.