According to Jon Heyman among numerous media reports, the Rangers and Josh Hamilton have agreed to a two-year deal for $24 million just in time to avoid the salary arbitration process. The deal will run through Hamilton's last two arbitration years and takes him through to his free agent winter after the 2012 season. The club has once again avoided arbitration with all of its eligible players and if Nolan Ryan and Jon Daniels choose to they can turn their attention to negotiations with Hamilton, Elvis Andrus, Nelson Cruz and C.J. Wilson on extensions beyond this season.
Hamilton won the American League Most Valuable Player award in 2010 after hitting .359/.411/.633 with 32 home runs in 133 games but has missed 180 games in his four major league seasons.