Josh Hamilton's recent alcohol relapse will likely have a significant effect on future contract negotiations with the Rangers. He is entering the final year of his contract and had said that he wouldn't discuss a new deal during the season. "This plays out that Josh plays a year as a potential free agent because they're not going to negotiate any time before the season starts," said Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News in a recent radio appearance. "And I think the Rangers now are going to take the approach that they're not even going to approach him. With most players, they don't talk during the season and I think right now, there's no reason for them to talk. People want to talk about leverage in this situation, but leverage is a moot point at this point. It's gone from this: the Rangers were asking Josh previously to give them a hometown discount. I think now the Rangers will be discussing whether or not they want to put up with this burden long-term."