Chicago White Sox Release Speedster, Former Top Reds Prospect Billy Hamilton

Billy Hamilton was once one of the fastest and brightest young stars in baseball, but he is once again a free agent after a year in the White Sox's farm system.

The Chicago White Sox released outfielder Billy Hamilton on Tuesday, according to the official MiLB transaction log.

Hamilton only played three games with the White Sox this season, spending most of the year with Triple-A Charlotte. The 32-year-old outfielder went 0-for-2 at the plate, but stole two bases and scored two runs for Chicago back in early May.

As for his performance in the minors, Hamilton was hitting .147 with one home run, four RBI, three stolen bases and a .515 OPS in 28 games.

According to MLBTradeRumors.com, Hamilton had been on the injured list since July due to a shoulder injury, but he was just cleared to play again Sunday. Chicago completely turned over its front office on Tuesday, though, and Hamilton was ultimately let go.

This was Hamilton's second stint with the White Sox, also spending the 2021 season between Chicago and Triple-A Charlotte.

Hamilton has bounced around as of late, ever since he left the Cincinnati Reds back in December 2018. That marked the end of an electric tenure for Hamilton in Cincinnati, even if it wasn't always full of wins or home runs.

In addition to ranking No. 1 in the Reds' farm system back in 2013, Hamilton was the No. 11 overall prospect in baseball at the time.

Hamilton went on to appear in 690 games for the Reds from 2013 to 2018, hitting .245 with 21 home runs, 161 RBI, a .631 OPS and a 9.4 WAR. The speedster finished second in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2014.

During Hamilton's time in Cincinnati, the outfielder led MLB with 277 stolen bases. He put up four consecutive seasons of 56-plus stolen bases from 2014 to 2017, recording more stolen bases in a four-year span than any player since New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes from 2005 to 2008.

Hamilton played for seven teams in the next four seasons – the Kansas City Royals, Atlanta Braves, Mets, Chicago Cubs, White Sox, Miami Marlins and Minnesota Twins.

If he can find another club to join before September 1, Hamilton could be a speedy veteran option for a team looking to add depth and athleticism for a playoff run.

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