What Can Billy Hamilton Provide the Twins?

[Cody Christie]

The Twins signed outfielder Billy Hamilton to a minor-league contract on Friday. What can the veteran outfielder provide the Twins?

 

 

On Friday, multiple reports surfaced that the Twins had agreed to a minor-league deal with veteran outfielder Billy Hamilton. Minnesota is the third different organization this season for the former top prospect, but the Twins need outfield depth, and they were willing to give Hamilton a chance. It also sounds like he has early opt-outs in the deal if the Twins don't add him to the active roster in the next week. 

Nearly a decade ago, Billy Hamilton was considered one of baseball's best prospects. As a speedy outfielder in the Reds organization, he stole bases at a record pace and provided elite outfield defense. His offensive skills weren't fully developed, but many viewed that as something that could improve throughout his professional career. Entering the 2013 season, all three national prospect rankings placed him as one of baseball's top-20 prospects. 

Hamilton broke into the big leagues as a 22-year-old and played parts of six seasons in Cincinnati. Unfortunately, his bat never fully developed, even with multiple chances as a regular player for the Reds. In 690 games, he hit .245/.298/.333 (.631) while striking out 554 times. He was able to steal 277 bases, but he was also caught 63 times. During the 2014 season, he led baseball in caught stealing as he was thrown out 23 times. It was tough for him to live up to the hype surrounding his minor league career, and he hasn't played more than 120 games in a season since leaving the Reds. 

Over the next three seasons, Hamilton bounced around to five different organizations and never played more than 93 games in one place. He has posted a .568 OPS and a 51 OPS+ during that stretch. His chances to steal bases also dropped as he was getting on base less than 27% of the time. In 221 games, he was limited to 37 stolen bases. Last season, he appeared in 71 games for the White Sox and posted a .620 OPS. 

The Marlins used Hamilton in 20 games during the current season, but he was limited to 15 plate appearances. He has mostly been relegated to a pinch-runner or late-game defensive replacement. Hamilton went 1-for-13 with seven steals and nine runs scored in limited action. Minnesota will likely use Hamilton in a similar role as the Twins wait for some other outfielders to get healthy.

The Twins currently have multiple outfielders on the injured list, including Byron Buxton, Trevor Larnach, and Alex Kirilloff. Royce Lewis is another injured player that likely would have picked up time in the outfield if he was healthy. Minnesota has used other outfield options like Tim Beckham, Kyle Garlick, and Jake Cave. Those players have found some success, but it has hardly been an ideal outfield depth chart. 

Hamilton's inability to hit consistently has pushed him to a bench role in recent years. However, his speed and defensive ability can still change a game. The Twins haven't had many dynamic players to use off the bench during the 2022 season, and Hamilton certainly offers skills that can help a contending team. Minnesota will need to be strategic in how he is utilized, but he can help a team that has struggled to consistently score runs this season. 

What do you think Hamilton can offer the Twins? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion.

 

 

 

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[DocBauer]

He offers quality CF defense as a starter and #9 hitter or a late inning defensive replacement. He also offers ability as a PR. I guess as a 13th man there is some value there.

Other than that? I honestly can't think of any reason to bring him up barring yet another injury. I'd rather stick with Gordon and Celestino day in and day out until Buck comes back.

 

[RJA]

I don't think he offers much.  I suspect the FO signed him as insurance in case Buck is out longer than they think.

[Greglw3]

I think Billy Hamilton can offer the Twins the increased team weapon of the stolen base and he can offer defense in cf that is so dominant that over comes his lower batting average. Remember when Buxton dominated defensively so much while hitting .160 while playing cf that he was a net plus?

I see that for Billy Hamilton. Earier in his career, he stole 58 bases with only 8 CS. Of potentially huge importance, in an extra inning game, he could pinch run at 2nd to start the inning and be a threat to steal third or have more ways to get to third than any other Twin, assuming Buxton is out.

It seems like he’s been around forever but he’s still just 31 years old, although closing in on 32.

I would have him up ASAP and starting in cf until and when Buxton can play cf.

[stringer bell]

His hitting is beyond poor, but he can run and play defense. As a fourteenth position player in September he could steal a game or two for the Twins. As a thirteenth position player in the unlikely event the Twins make postseason, he could impact a game positively for the Twins.

[Aerodeliria]

Anything to get Gordon and Beckham out of the outfield. Those two just don't track balls well at all and tend to make critically bad decisions, so put o-billy-boy in as a pinch runner late and then into the outfield, so what does he bring? A lot actually.

[saviking]

It tells me they don't think Wallner will be call up ready this year. The fact we are close to expanding the roster by a couple players suggests the Twins feel his situational bases stealing and base runner is an important commodity for a team that doesn't steal bases.

As for outfield. Even with Buxton out we have Celestino, Gordon, Kepler and Cave that can all play a decent centerfield. I really hope Larnach is close to returning but only if he is completely healed.

[Trov]

He offers very little other than an emergency injury replacement should we need it.  He has no offense and can run and play defense, but we need guys that can get actual hits.  Imagine him and Leon in the same line up, why not just say we have to auto outs. I mean unless you are asking for a bunt I would tell them to never even swing the bat, their chances of getting on base are higher. 

[Stew]

He won't hit worse than Beckham or cave. Neither hits well and don't steal bases. He is a good center fielder. He could be at late inning replacement in the field and a pinch runner.

[Tibs]

Late inning defensive replacement or pinch runner. That's it

[terrydactyls]

Another set of dreadlocks?

[rv78]

Outside of some defensive speed he isn't any better than Cave. Another dumpster dive by the FO.

[awmonahan]

It's worth a try, but overall I think he is a faster but otherwise lesser Celestino. 

[twinfan]

While I would have rather they kept Beckham, Hamilton can steal a base or at least provide a threat on the bases. If my idea of having a designated runner were ever adopted, he would be a choice. I never cared for him and feel he's a lesser Jackie Bradley Jr whom the Twins were rumored to be after in the Spring. I'd rather they have brought up a minor leaguer to see what he can do. Hamilton has no future here while a prospect does.

[Karbo]

Anyone to replace Beckham is a positive. I see his role as late inning replacement or designated ghost runner.

[jjswol]

He offers speed and defense but little to no hitting. Can't see Twins signing him with no intention to bring him up. Sounds like Buxton is done for the year but the Twins don't want to announce it.

 

[PDX Twin]

3 hours ago, RJA said:

I don't think he offers much.  I suspect the FO signed him as insurance in case Buck is out longer than they think.

Since they know more than we do, I'm interpreting this as a signal that Buxton WILL be out for a long time.

[FlyingFinn]

3 hours ago, stringer bell said:

His hitting is beyond poor, but he can run and play defense. As a fourteenth position player in September he could steal a game or two for the Twins.

Yes, he will only have a chance as the 14th player if Buxton is out for a long time. Hamilton has to be A+ as a defensive CF, base stealer, base runner, and bunter. He would mostly come in late in games, not as a starter. But isn't Helman all of these things and maybe he can actually hit, which Hamilton can't do?

[Mike Sixel]

2 hours ago, rv78 said:

Outside of some defensive speed he isn't any better than Cave. Another dumpster dive by the FO.

What would you like them to do in August? This is free insurance. 

[RpR]

4 hours ago, rv78 said:

Outside of some defensive speed he isn't any better than Cave. Another dumpster dive by the FO.

Defensively he is better than Celestino.

[Danchat]

I'd take him on the bench over Caleb Hamilton, that's for sure.

[Rosterman]

The Twins outfield right now is Kepler, Celestino, Cave, Garlick with Gordon in reserve. Hamilton would provide depth.

Hamilton will join Cave, Caleb Hamilton, Sandy Leon as players that could be jettisoned when Buxton, Jeffers and maybe Larnach return. So he would be a temporary roster add, at best. Depending if the Twins will feel a need to have a third catcher, or a runner.

I expect him to be added come September 1. The Twins will probably designate Mark Contrereas for assignment.

[lukeduke1980]

It'd be fun to have a pinch running specialist to create a little havoc in big games. Like Terrance Gore did for those Royals teams 

[Shaitan]

Considering it's a minor league deal, not much.

But if the team keeps playing so many extra innings games, a player like Hamilton could be a real difference maker as a designated runner in the 10th.

#ihatethatrulesomuch

[Greglw3]

4 hours ago, rv78 said:

Outside of some defensive speed he isn't any better than Cave. Another dumpster dive by the FO.

Billy Hamilton has a .239 career batting avarage with 321 SB 71 CS.
Hamilton 16/16 SB in 2021-2022 combined and 23 HR career.

Jake Cave .239 career batting average with 4 stolen bases in 8 attempts and 30 HR

Max Kepler .233 career average with 33 SB 15 CS 129 HR

 

[KnoblauchWasFramed]

The only thing he would offer to the Twins would be the ability to come in as a pinch runner in a close game situation and steal a base to get into scoring position.  However, the Rocco-Llama never steals bases because his spreadsheet tells him that this is a No-No, so Hamilton literally will bring almost nothing to the team since he can't hit either.  

[Greglw3]

5 hours ago, stringer bell said:

His hitting is beyond poor, but he can run and play defense. As a fourteenth position player in September he could steal a game or two for the Twins. As a thirteenth position player in the unlikely event the Twins make postseason, he could impact a game positively for the Twins.

To be fair, you need to affirm that Cave and Kepler’s hitting is beyond poor. Hamilton is actually tied for highest career batting average of the 3!

Billy Hamilton has a .239 career batting avarage with 321 SB 71 CS.
Hamilton 16/16 SB in 2021-2022 combined and 23 HR career.

Jake Cave .239 career batting average with 4 stolen bases in 8 attempts and 30 HR

Max Kepler .233 career average with 33 SB 15 CS 129 HR

[RpR]

1 hour ago, RpR said:

Defensively he is better than Celestino.

After watching that video he has a better arm than any one except maybe Kepler.

Get him up here, soon.

 

[IndianaTwin]

18 minutes ago, KnoblauchWasFramed said:

The only thing he would offer to the Twins would be the ability to come in as a pinch runner in a close game situation and steal a base to get into scoring position.  However, the Rocco-Llama never steals bases because his spreadsheet tells him that this is a No-No, so Hamilton literally will bring almost nothing to the team since he can't hit either.  

Have you considered that a factor in not attempting many steals is that they don't have much speed? With a 14th roster spot available this week, that's definitely a factor. Not to mention, if Leon makes the last out of the ninth in a tie game, would you rather have Leon or Hamilton standing on second base in the 10th? 

 

[mikelink45]

We do not need another weak bat at the end of the lineup!  I like speed, but so far Hamilton has not harnessed that or anything else. His line is too weak - 293 OBP for a non-power guy is not acceptable.  

239

.293

.326

.619

His SB 371 (nice) CS 72 (not Nice).  Still it is 84% which makes it valuable.