Josh Hamilton rumors: Red Sox, Yankees, Phillies, Rangers

While Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe expects outfielder Josh Hamilton to re-sign with the Texas Rangers this winter, he says you can’t rule out another third of the league, including teams such as the Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.

It’s going to take a special place with a special contract to get him signed somewhere this offseason. Hamilton said he’s not taking a hometown discount from the Rangers, but that’s where he’s likely to land.

While Cafardo says you can never count out high-profile locations like Boston and New York, he doesn’t see the Yankees or Red Sox as being the "best fit" for Hamilton. He also doesn’t list the free-spending Los Angeles Dodgers as a team to watch in the hunt for Hamilton.

Hamilton figures to be an interesting free agent case this winter. While some say he has the most pure talent of any player in the league, Hamilton’s injury and off-the-field history will certainly raise red flags for potential suitors.

Hamilton turned in another impressive campaign this season, hitting .285/.354/.577 with 31 doubles and 43 home runs over 562 at-bats. He owns a career line of .304/.363/.549 over six years with the Cincinnati Reds and Rangers.