All offseason, the Cincinnati Reds have drawn interest regarding their centerfielder Billy Hamilton, whose defense and speed make him a valuable asset in the outfield. Nonetheless, Ken Rosenthal reported on Tuesday that the Giants still hold an edge over their competition for the speedy centerfielder.
#Reds continuing to draw interest in their OFers, including Hamilton, as they try to clear a spot for Winker, sources tell The Athletic. #SFGiants remain strongest on Hamilton.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 12, 2017
In a time where the art of stealing bases is starting to decrease, Hamilton’s swiped no fewer than 56 bags since 2014, his most coming last season when he stole 59. Over that same amount of time, Hamilton has finished second for the most stolen bases in the Major Leagues, coming in second behind Dee Gordon from 2014, 2015, and 2017, and Jonathan Villar in 2016. Hamilton’s defensive rating is one of the best among his fellow outfielders and that quality is something the Giants desperately need in the outfield.
However, with Hamilton’s positives come his negatives, in particular at the plate. Hamilton’s speed on the base paths is often muted by his inability to reach base. His career on base percentage is a miserable .298 and his .247 batting average last season was the second lowest of his career, only better than 2015 when he hit .226.
As far as money goes, Hamilton’s contract will not make a significant dent in the Giants’ payroll. After being guaranteed $2.6 million next season, Hamilton will be eligible for arbitration over the next two years before becoming a free agent after 2019.