Josh Hamilton, Free Agency And The Texas Rangers

Josh Hamilton has been playing so well in 2012, that he has likely earned a contract that the Texas Rangers cannot afford to give him this winter.

Josh Hamilton Free Agency Update: Texas Rangers Will Not Offer Contract Extension Until Season Is Over

Texas Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton is definitely going to be a free agent at the end of the season, at least from what Nolan Ryan is telling the Fort Worth Star Telegram.

Ryan said the Rangers haven't even exchanged numbers with Hamilton's agent Mike Moye and that negotiations wouldn't be held until the season is over.

"We haven't carried on negotiations in the season because we don't feel like it's fair to Josh and we don't want to do something that would be a distraction," Ryan said. "We certainly are in hopes that we're able to work a deal out with him, but I think they probably have the mindset that they'll go through the season and see what happens and see what the market is for Josh Hamilton."

This is interesting considering the kind of season Hamilton is having, particularly his four home runs in a single game last week and nine long balls in a six-game span that led him to an American League Player of the Week honor.

However all of this ends up playing out, Hamilton is taking a spiritual approach to free agency and wants to go wherever God leads him, whether that be in Texas or somewhere else.

"I want to do his will more than mine, so I don't necessarily want to do what's comfortable for me or my family," Hamilton said. "If he has us leave and go somewhere else, it might not be comfortable, but you know what? That's going to draw me closer to him and have a better relationship with him. ... It's not about where I want to be. It's about where he wants me to be."

Read more on the Rangers at Lone Star Ball.

Josh Hamilton Is Not Worth Re-signing Because Of Four Homer Game

Josh Hamilton Free Agency Update: Rangers Star 'Loves It In Texas'

After his historic night in Baltimore, Hamilton reiterated his desire to stay with the team long-term. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.