Hamilton, who has been a catalyst for the Rangers in the team's run to back-to-back World Series, spoke about his recent relapse with substance abuse and his future in Arlington.
"The Rangers have done a lot for me, but I've got a question for y'all: Have I done a lot for the Rangers? I think I've given them everything I've had," Hamilton said in an interview with ESPN. "I don't think anybody can say I haven't. When it comes down to it, people don't understand, fans don't understand, this is a business, this is an entertainment business."
Hamilton battled alcohol and drug addictions for years, even winding up out of baseball for a three seasons, after being selected first-overall by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 1999 MLB Draft.
The ever-dedicated Hamilton returned to the majors in 2007, hitting .292 with 19 home runs and 47 RBIs for the Cincinnati Reds. That offseason, the Rangers traded two prospects for Hamilton and he has been a standout for the team ever since.
The 2010 AL MVP admitted his love and appreciation for Texas and the Rangers organization on Friday, but held firm in his belief that he shouldn't have to accept some sort of hometown discount to return to the club.
"I love Texas. I love my fans. I love fans of the Rangers. I love the organization. I love my teammates. I love everything about it. But I'm not going to sit here and say that I owe the Rangers. I don't feel like I owe the Rangers."
Hamilton is set to earn $13.75 million this season but is in the final year of his current contract, and he will be eligible for free agency next offseason.
In 2011, Hamilton again put up All-Star numbers for the Rangers batting .298 with 25 home runs and 94 RBIs.
