Cincinnati Reds Rumors: Billy Hamilton one step closer to San Francisco

With the departure of Denard Span, the San Franscisco Giants could be interested again in Billy Hamilton.

The Cincinnati Reds are in the second off-season where other teams have asked about Billy Hamilton.  This off-season, though, has seen increased interest.  Much of that interest comes from the San Francisco Giants.

Earlier this off-season, the Giants thought that they had a deal worked out for 2017 National League MVP Giancarlo Stanton.  That would have forced them to play Denard Span in center.  Stanton vetoed the deal and is now a New York Yankee.

Prior to that the Giants were in the running for Shohei Ohtani.  Ohtani caused the same issue.  He would occupy left field three days a week, keeping Span in center field.

Earlier this week, though, the Giants traded Span along with top prospect Christian Arroyo and two pitching prospects for All-Star third baseman Evan Longoria and cash.  Span and cash were included to keep the deal within the Giants’ budget.

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That leaves a pair of outfield spots open in San Francisco.  Right now, journeyman Gorkys Hernandez is penciled into center as the only true center fielder on the roster.  Left field has the platoon of Mac Williamson and Jarrett Parker.

Despite trading Christian Arroyo to land Evan Longoria, the San Francisco Giants still have enough to get Billy Hamilton from the Cincinnati Reds.

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The Cincinnati Reds had an interest in Christian Arroyo.  He was the Giants’ top prospect.  Recently his defense and offensive ceiling has come up for debate, but teams still tried to acquire him.

With Arroyo gone, though, a package is more likely.  The Reds would have interest in catcher Aramis Garcia.  With Tucker Barnhart in place, a partner for him would be great.

The Giants also have some young pitchers that don’t appear to have a place in the Giants’ long term plans.  That is an area the Reds are still cultivating.

The right mix would definitely get Hamilton from the Reds.

Meanwhile, the Reds have reason to move Hamilton.  They have five MLB level outfielders and only three spots to play them in.  Phil Ervin could go back to Triple-A, but Jesse Winker is here to stay.

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Whether or not the Giants close the deal, Hamilton will leave Cincinnati before long.  Winker needs to play everyday and Scott Schebler’s power in undeniable.  That means the Reds need to do something to open up center for Schebler, so Winker can start everyday.