John Perrotto of Baseball Prospectus reports that Josh Hamilton is looking for a seven-year, $175 million deal in free agency. Perrotto was told by "someone who knows these things." While Hamilton should be able to get around $25 million per season, it seems unlikely that anyone would be willing to give him that much over seven years. He's the top free agent hitter on the market, but Hamilton isn't without risk, as he'll turn 32 early next season and has injury and off-the-field concerns. The Dallas Morning News says that the Rangers "almost certainly" won't be willing to give Hamilton the kind of deal Perrotto says he's looking for.

Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com reports that the Braves are "intrigued" by impending free agent Josh Hamilton. Well, who the heck wouldn't be? However, there are a number of reasons why the Braves and Hamilton aren't a match. In addition to concerns over injury and his past drug and alcohol addiction, the Braves' lineup is already lefty-heavy. Perhaps most important of all, the Braves aren't usually in the bidding for top free agents. Look for them to set their sights elsewhere.

The Rangers have made a $13.3 million qualifying offer to impending free agent Josh Hamilton. No surprise there, as Hamilton figures to cash in as the top position player available in free agency this winter. The Rangers will receive draft pick compensation if he declines and signs with another team.

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that the Brewers are "seriously considering a run" at impending free agent Josh Hamilton. Nice attendance figures the last few years has allowed Brewers owner Mark Attanasio to expand the payroll, which was just south of $100 million in 2012. While they were unable to re-sign CC Sabathia and Prince Fielder, Hamilton shouldn't require nearly as big of a contract. They also have an ace up their sleeve in hitting coach Johnny Narron, who was Hamilton's "life coach'' with the Rangers. The Brewers probably won't be able to compete if the bidding for Hamilton gets too crazy, but they could be players if the price is reasonable.

According to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, the Rangers will let Josh Hamilton shop around before making an offer. In other words, the chances of Hamilton returning depends on whether another team is willing to pay him big money. The 31-year-old outfielder will be the top position player available this offseason, so it's likely someone will, even with the unique risk involved.

Josh Hamilton said Friday that there's a 50/50 chance he'll be back with the Rangers. The Rangers tabled contract talks with Hamilton earlier in the year, but remain interested in bringing him back, and will be given the right to match any offer he gets in free agency. "I always said I would want to stay here," Hamilton said. "They know that. We said we'd wait until the year was over. We'll see what happens."

Josh Hamilton played in perhaps his final game as a Ranger on Friday, and bowed out less than gracefully by going hitless in four at-bats. Hamilton whiffed twice, grounded into a double play and bounced back to the pitcher, stranding three runners in the game. If it was to be his final game with the club, the impending free-agent ends his Rangers' tenure with an outstanding .305/.363/.549 line with 142 homers and 506 RBI in 647 games over five seasons. He's likely to be the most sought after bat on the free-agent market this offseason.

Josh Hamilton went 1-for-5 with three strikeouts and a costly drop in center field as the Rangers lost to the A's on Wednesday. While it's guaranteed that Miguel Cabrera and Mike Trout will occupy the top two spots on most MVP ballots, a lot of people were probably debating whether to go with Hamilton or Adrian Beltre third in the third spot. It's a safe guess that those who waited until the very end to make their pick gave Beltre the nod. Hamilton has really struggled over the last month, while Beltre went 3-for-4 with an RBI today to finish the season with a .321 average. Hamilton, who had every chance to disrupt Miguel Cabrera's triple crown, went without a homer in his last nine starts and finished the season at .285-43-128.

Josh Hamilton hit an RBI double on Tuesday, accounting for the Rangers' lone run in a loss to the A's. Hamilton's RBI double off Travis Blackley in the third inning gave the Rangers the early 1-0 advantage, but their bats would be stifled for the remainder of the evening. Heading into a critical final game against the A's on Wednesday, Hamilton owns an outstanding .285/.355/.580 line with 43 homers and 128 RBI on the year.

Josh Hamilton (sinus infection) is back in the Rangers' starting lineup Monday against the Athletics. Excellent news for the Rangers. Hamilton hasn't played since last Tuesday due to ocular keratitis, an eye issue which is caused by too much caffeine and energy drinks. He should be fine as long as he cuts back. The impending free agent is currently tied with Miguel Cabrera for the major league lead with 42 homers.