The 10 Most Influential Trades in Texas Rangers History

By Chris Giles | Jan 5, 2022

OAKLAND, CA - JULY 17: Mark Teixeira #23 of the Texas Rangers bats during the game against the Oakland Athletics at McAfee Coliseum on July 17, 2005 in Oakland, California. The A's defeated the Rangers 5-4 in 14 innings. (Photo by Brad Mangin /MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

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#3- Josh Hamilton acquired from Cincinnati (2007)

On December 7, 2007, the Texas Rangers traded 23-year-old starting pitcher Edinson Volquez and relief pitcher Danny Herrera to the Cincinnati Reds for troubled 27-year-old outfielder Josh Hamilton. Hamilton had just finished a 90 game rookie season in MLB and Volquez had only started 17 games over three seasons for the Rangers.

The following season, Volquez went 17-6 and represented Cincinnati in the all-star game. Over the next three seasons, Herrera compiled 113 relief appearances for the Reds.

Josh Hamilton became a five-time all-star for the Rangers. In his first season, Hamilton hit 32 home runs and led the AL with 130 RBI’s. In 2010, Hamilton led the AL with a .359 BA. In his final season in Texas, Hamilton belted 43 HR and added 128 RBI’s. On October 29, 2012, Josh Hamilton was granted free agency. On April 27, 2015, the Los Angeles Angels traded Hamilton back to Texas. In 2015, Hamilton would play his final 50 MLB games for the Rangers. In six seasons with the Rangers, Hamilton hit 150 home runs, added 531 RBI’s, and hit for a .302 batting average.

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