Cincinnati Reds – Billy Hamilton is prime trade chip

The Cincinnati Reds Rebuild

The Cincinnati Reds had another awful year. At 68-94, there is much to improve upon. They have a young pitching staff that needs to learn from their mistakes. Also, the offense was surprisingly good, with great years out of Scott Schebler, Adam Duvall, and Joey Votto. Furthermore, the farm system is blossoming. This franchise has drafted well over the past half decade.

Netting guys like Hunter Greene, Nick Senzel, Taylor Trammell, and Jesse Winker. Another down year is definitely in the works for this team, as the National League Central is getting more competitive. With that said, the Reds can only go up from here. They failed to capitalize at the 2017 Trade Deadline when deals for Cozart and Storen never materialized.

The Reds must take advantage of the market, and deal off veterans for prospects. Beef up the farm until this club is competitive again, because they may act as trade bait in the future. Cincinnati has plenty of time to do this, as the teams in their division are better anyways. That will ultimately amount to more losses, which will amount to a higher draft pick.

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With Cincinnati far away from contending, they should look into every avenue to acquire young talent. Speedster Billy Hamilton is one of the last players with interest, so he is a target for a trade even though he missed out on the steals title.

The Cincinnati Reds’ speedy outfielder

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Billy Hamilton is known for his wheels on the base paths. He is also has an above average to great glove in the field. His career stolen base total is at 243 in five years, so there is a great chance of 500+. His best year in the outfield was 2014, when his Def stat was 22.0, which in those terms equates to great value out there. This season, he accumulated a 9.6, which is still above average.

He can help a team that needs to shore up their outfield defense, and provide speed around the bases. Teams like Arizona, Milwaukee, and Texas would seem like a fit.

The Brewers could be interested, but the package might have to be a little more because of the divisional rivalry. Atlanta is very close to being competitive again, and adding a wizard in the outfield to pair with Ender Inciarte would be intriguing.

With 2018 being Hamilton’s final year of club control, Cincinnati needs to sell off in an effort to acquire prospects to help down the road. They must go all in, as the franchise has already transitioned into that direction.

The Cincinnati Reds moving forward

As the seasons progress, this team’s core is meshing as well. The veteran presence of Joey Votto has helped as well. But, Billy Hamilton should not be in the Reds’ future plans. So why keep him? Their best interest is to audition their young guys in everyday roles, such as Phillip Ervin.

More and more prospects will be knocking on the door, so why not let them in? This team has an influx of talent on the way, and it is only a matter of time before they’re in the Major leagues. The speedy outfielder is not part of the next great Reds team, so send him on his way.

Next: Who will play outfield for Reds in 2018?