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The Milwaukee Brewers are "seriously considering" going after soon-to-be free agent outfielder Josh Hamilton, according to CBS Sports.
Hamilton, who's been with the Texas Rangers for the past five seasons, is expected to test the free agent market this winter:
The Brewers believe Milwaukee is a viable market for Hamilton, and it doesn't hurt that their hitting coach is Johnny Narron, who is very close to Hamilton from their days together in Cincinnati and Texas. Narron was Hamilton's original "life coach'' with the Reds and Rangers. In Texas, he generally thrived and is credited for having only two relapses.
Hamilton, who can play all three outfield positions, batted .285 with 43 home runs and 128 RBIs in 148 games with the Rangers last season. He also scored 103 runs, which is the highest total of his career.
The 31-year-old former No. 1 overall draft pick is a lifetime .304 hitter. He had his best season of his career in 2010 when he batted .359 with 32 home runs and a 1.044 OPS. He was named the American League MVP, earning 22 first-place votes.
Hamilton is considered one of the top free agents this offseason, but has battled drug and alcohol addiction through his career. He also quit chewing tobacco this season, which may have contributed to his late-season slump.
Hamilton made $13.75 million this year.