The Angels shocked everyone on Thursday by signing Josh Hamilton. Adding to the surprise factor was the magnitude of the deal.
Hamilton inked a five-year pact with Los Angeles, which apparently was too lengthy for Boston’s blood, even though the Red Sox reportedly did consider the five-time All-Star. According to WEEI.com’s Rob Bradford, the Sox were interested in possibly signing Hamilton, but only if they could have gotten the free-agent outfielder on a deal of three years or fewer.
Hamilton was believed to be seeking a deal for five or six years, but reports throughout this offseason indicated that clubs were hesitant to give the 31-year-old such a deal. That led to speculation about Hamilton potentially signing a three-year deal with a higher annual salary.
Ever since the megadeal that sent Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Josh Beckett and Nick Punto to the Dodgers, Ben Cherington and company have been steadfast on the notion that they’re not looking to make any long-term commitments. The Red Sox gained a lot of financial flexibility with the monstrous August trade, but after watching previous long-term deals not work out, they’re looking to change the way the team operates in free agency.
If the Red Sox did sign Hamilton to a three-year deal, it would have marked the third such deal handed out by the Red Sox this offseason. Boston made its three-year agreement with Shane Victorino official on Thursday, and they’ve reportedly agreed to a three-year contract with Mike Napoli.
All of this is now moot, however, as Hamilton is Hollywood bound.
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