Indians add Billy Hamilton on Minors deal

February 13th, 2021

The Indians have reached a Minor League deal with center fielder , according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, who adds the deal includes $950,000 in incentives and $1 million if Hamilton reaches the Majors. The club has not confirmed the report.

The 30-year-old Hamilton is one of the fastest players in baseball, but he's had trouble reaching base throughout his career -- he is a career .241/.296/.325 hitter with 305 steals. He made his MLB debut with the Reds in 2013 and finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting the following year, when he stole 56 bases. Hamilton spent six seasons with Cincinnati before being released in 2018.

Since then, Hamilton has become a journeyman, playing for four teams in the past three seasons -- the Royals, Braves, Mets and Cubs.