The Chicago Cubs made several minor league signings at the end of August, making sure they added a couple depth pieces for the stretch run and maybe getting lucky with a veteran who gets hot into October. The team also made an underrated signings, getting veteran outfielder Billy Hamitlon.
The 34-year-old last appeared in the majors with the Chicago White Sox back in 2023, in what was his second stint on the south side Hamilton began his MLB career with the Cincinnati Reds in 2013, and despite producing below-average results at the plate he’s been able to stick with teams late in the year because of his outstanding speed. Despite a slash line of .239/.292/.325, Hamilton has 326 career stolen bases in 951 MLB games.
Hamilton has recently played pro baseball in Mexico and now he’s back with an MLB organization.
Hamilton played in 14 games for the Cubs during the shortened 2020 season and did make the postseason roster, although he didn’t appear in either game against the Miami Marlins in the Wild Card series.
Looking ahead at potential roster decisions for October, Hamilton could be an option as the 26th man if a guy like Willi Castro continues to struggle in September. Castro is only 9-for-60, with a .397 OPS since he was acquired at the trade deadline from the Minnesota Twins.
We’ll see what Hamilton has left as he’ll most likely report to Triple-A soon after he gets re-acclimated in Arizona first. The Cubs officially signed Hamilton to a minor league deal on Aug. 31, so the veteran is postseason eligible.
