The Texas Rangers have placed Josh Hamilton on unconditional release waivers, while leaving the door open for a potential return in 2017 on a Minor League deal.
Hamilton underwent season-ending surgery in June to repair torn cartilage in his left knee. He expects to be fully ready for spring training.
The 35-year-old outfielder was activated off the 60-day disabled list and then placed on waivers.
Jon Daniels told reporters in a conference call that he had discussed the move with Hamilton, most recently on Tuesday.
"I'm hopeful that if he's healthy and our roster is in a spot where we'd still like to have him back, we can work it out," Daniels said. "But that's still a few steps down the line.
"We've talked about it for a period of time, and he understands why we did it."
Via ESPN