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Slugger Josh Hamilton and ace Zack Greinke are likely to command the largest salaries of any available players this offseason. But Nolan Ryan says that his Texas Rangers could find room for both.
In a media session with local beat writers at the Winter Meetings in Nashville, Ryan said that the Rangers shouldn't be ruled out on signing both Hamilton and Greinke, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. That's despite heavy pursuit from both the Dodgers and the Angels of Greinke, who split last season between Milwaukee and Anaheim. As for Hamilton, Ryan said that ownership has been in contact with his agent, Mike Moye. Hamilton himself left the Winter Meetings earlier this week. Before heading home, the 31-year-old outfielder met with the Red Sox and Mariners.
Rumors have abounded that Greinke will receive the biggest contract ever for a pitcher, topping CC Sabathia's seven-year, $161 million deal with the Yankees. Hamilton, meanwhile, will probably cost upwards of $15 million per year, and likely close to $20 million.
Though the Rangers likely don't have the budget to afford both players, Ryan said that ultimately, team owners Bob Simpson and Ray Davis would have final say on that matter.
"If you did have the opportunities to sign those guys, we'd have to look at our budget and look where we are," Ryan said. "I wouldn't say there's not a chance."
Hamilton hit .285/.354/.577 with 43 home runs and 128 RBI in 148 games last season for Texas. Greinke went 15-5 with a 3.48 ERA and 200 strikeouts and only 54 walks in 212.1 innings across two teams.