Possible Offseason Targets for San Francisco Giants: Billy Hamilton

Through the month of October we’ll look at several different targets this offseason that the San Francisco Giants could possibly pursue, continuing with Billy Hamilton.

There has been a lot of talk this offseason about upgrading the Giants defense. And a lot of San Francisco Giants fans are clamoring for Billy Hamilton.

The 27-year-old only has two years left of arbitration and then he becomes a free agent. I’m not sure how far along the Cincinnati Reds are in their rebuild, but some believe they are willing to part ways with Hamilton.

Hamilton would certainly give the Giants a boost defensively. He was one of the best defensive center fielders in 2017, and is a Gold Glove finalist.

He would also provide some added speed on the bases. Hamilton has stolen at least 56 bases in four straight seasons.

The obvious drawback on Hamilton is that he has a career average of .248 and an on-base-percentage of .298.

In 2017 he scored a career-high 85 runs and stole a career-high 59 bases, but he hit just .248 in 582 at-bats.

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Plus, he doesn’t bring much power to a team that is desperate for some power. He’s hit just 17 home runs in 1,987 career at-bats.

However, the Giants could put him at the bottom of the lineup and be happy with the significant upgrade on defense.

And can you imagine all of the triples he could get at AT&T Park?

I don’t think the price on Hamilton would be high, but the Reds have no reason to part with him without getting something significant back.

The Giants have a ton of outfield prospects, and they could possibly give up someone in their top 10 for him.

Hamilton wouldn’t be very expensive, which would allow the Giants to plug some other holes as well.

Next: Possible Offseason Targets for San Francisco Giants: Todd Fraizer

I’m not completely sold on the idea of Hamilton in center field for the Giants next year, but it’s definitely a possibility going into the offseason.