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Cubs Claim Billy Hamilton

By TC Zencka | September 7, 2020 at 1:08pm CDT

The Chicago Cubs claimed Billy Hamilton off waivers from the Mets today, per Jordan Bastian of MLB.com (via Twitter). The Cubs also added Ildemaro Vargas to the active roster and designated Matt Dermody for assignment. Bastian also reports that the Pedro Strop deal is official.

Hamilton, in the conversation for the fastest player in baseball, joins his third team of the 2020 season, though he was DFA’ed by the Giants before the start of the season. With the Mets, Hamilton appeared in 17 games, but saw just 25 plate appearances. He was unable to muster much at the dish, slashing .045/.083/.045 in that time. Hamilton did steal 3 bases in 4 attempts, which might be a better gauge of his success at this point in his career. He appeared 6 times as a pinch-runner for the Mets.

Hamilton could serve as a defensive option late in games for the Cubs in center, but his primary usage should be as a pinch-runner. The Cubs have Ian Happ playing most days in center with Albert Almora, Cameron Maybin, and Nico Hoerner used when Happ needs a day off or moves around the diamond. Any of those three might be used at times to run, but none have the speed of Hamilton. He’ll fill the role of a late-inning burner that’s been filled by Quintin Berry and Jarrod Dyson in the post, notes Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune.

Dermody made just one appearance for the Cubs, pitching a scoreless ninth in yesterday’s loss to the Cardinals. The 30-year-old lefty was signed as a free agent early in August. He’ll now be exposed to waivers.

Vargas, 29, has been through a whirlwind 2020. After starting the season with the Diamondbacks, the Twins purchased his contract from Arizona, but then lost him to the Cubs on waivers about a month later. He didn’t see extended playing time with either team, slashing .190/.222/.263 across 45 plate appearances split between Arizona and Minnesota. The switch-hitter gives the Cubs another versatile bat for their bench.

Additionally, the Cubs added Duncan Robinson to their 60-man player pool and released catcher Jose Lobaton.They have one open spot in their player pool. Robinson, 26, is a big-bodied right-handed pitcher who spent four years at Dartmouth before being drafted by the Cubs in the 9th round of the 2016 draft. He has yet to pitch in the majors.

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View Comments (96)
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Comments

  1. Cosmodeus

    8 months ago

    Lemme guess… he’s gonna be great as a pinch runner and late inning defensive replacement as long as he doesn’t get any at bats? ….eh, they’ll learn

    1 Like
    Reply
    • solaris602

      8 months ago

      My thoughts exactly. There should not be one solitary complaint come out of the North Side about how this guy can’t hit. He never could hit and he never will, just so everybody understands that.

      1 Like
      Reply
    • johnnydubz

      8 months ago

      Wait till Manfred inserts DH runner since the game is such a joke last 25 years

      1 Like
      Reply
      • smuzqwpdmx

        8 months ago

        Designated runners would certainly make the game more fun. Would you rather watch Albert Pujols run the bases every day, or an olympic sprinter?

        1 Like
        Reply
        • Cosmodeus

          8 months ago

          I’d rather the game be played according to sensible rules

          8 Like
          Reply
        • johnnydubz

          8 months ago

          I rather the games be a legit sport but I compromised so I settle for the entertainment it’s become.

          Like
          Reply
        • HaloHonk4Life

          8 months ago

          Charlie Finley did that with the A’s. I believe his name was Herb Washington. All run and no hit.

          Like
          Reply
      • TJECK109

        8 months ago

        I loved the free runner in beer league softball. Second best thing about the league

        1 Like
        Reply
        • andremets

          8 months ago

          It’s called a courtesy runner

          Like
          Reply
      • manos

        8 months ago

        I mean, that’s basically what a pinch runner is, no? That’s been in the game for a very long time.

        1 Like
        Reply
      • Steve Nebraska

        8 months ago

        Does the DH have to be applied to the pitcher? Could a team let their pitcher hit and have DH for Hamilton instead? If a team has a couple decent hitting pitchers like the Astros with Greinke, Hamilton might actually be able to stay on a roster all season.

        Like
        Reply
        • kyleschwarbersmom

          8 months ago

          IIRC, DH is just for the pitcher. The only exception for not using it really is Ohtani.

          Like
          Reply
        • echozulu88

          8 months ago

          Michael Lorenzen?

          Like
          Reply
        • kyleschwarbersmom

          8 months ago

          I was thinking starting pitchers here.

          If you wanted to start Lorenzen at DH, that would be an option with a weak-hitting bench.

          Like
          Reply
      • Big Hurt

        8 months ago

        How old does someone have to be to say the phrase “the game is such a joke last 25 years”? Like – my first 100 years this game was amazing, but they’ve really ruined it these ‘last 25 years’!!!

        1 Like
        Reply
        • johnrealtime

          8 months ago

          Probably 45 I’d say

          Like
          Reply
        • johnnydubz

          8 months ago

          @Big Hurt I guess you have no problem with what the Astros did or what Bonds,McGuire,Sosa etc did cheating. I guess you are hoping your organization gets to the WS and loses on purpose again…….

          Like
          Reply
        • Big Hurt

          7 months ago

          Thanks for proving my point… Are you seriously referencing the 1919 season as a repudiation of my age comment?? Lol

          Like
          Reply
      • wrek305

        8 months ago

        It’s bad enough they have 7inning DH and a runner on 2nd in extras. They dont need to ruin the game more.

        2 Like
        Reply
    • ChiSox_Fan

      8 months ago

      I wish the Cubs had a doubleheader today!

      Then I would wake up to the 2nd place and falling Cubs tomorrow!!

      Haha!

      Like
      Reply
      • bucknerkingmansutter

        8 months ago

        Hey, Mr. Massengill’s back!

        1 Like
        Reply
  2. keysox

    8 months ago

    Almora

    Like
    Reply
    • Gocubsgo1986

      8 months ago

      Hopefully non tendered this winter. Theo needs to say he missed big time

      1 Like
      Reply
      • Cmurphy

        8 months ago

        Almora hasn’t been the same since his foul ball hit that kid.

        2 Like
        Reply
        • bobbyk

          8 months ago

          Bingo!

          Like
          Reply
        • justacubsfan

          8 months ago

          He wasn’t really much before that point either. Sometimes, you hit on first round, toolsy, high schoolers. Sometimes, you don’t.

          Like
          Reply
        • ChiSox_Fan

          8 months ago

          White Sox first team to extend netting all the way to the outfield!

          Good for Jerry Reinsdorf and the White Sox!!

          1 Like
          Reply
        • mike127

          8 months ago

          First to put up the net because he has Eloy in the outfield. Very good choice to have something other than wall protect the prized prospect.

          Like
          Reply
        • classicmixup

          8 months ago

          for what fans.

          Like
          Reply
        • Cub Fan in Georgia

          7 months ago

          Got that right

          Like
          Reply
    • solaris602

      8 months ago

      5 for 30 (.167) with a 0.0 WAR in 2020. The only way to put a positive spin on that is to say he has 400% more hits than Hamilton so far this year. Oh wait, where’s that guy who pops up in almost every conversation no matter what the topic or situation yelling, “SMALL SAMPLE!!! SMALL SAMPLE!!!”?

      Like
      Reply
  3. ChiSox_Fan

    8 months ago

    Dumpster divin’ Theo!!
    .045. Very nice!

    1 Like
    Reply
    • justacubsfan

      8 months ago

      Way to add to the conversation. One could assume you’re an accurate representation of the average White Sox fan.

      3 Like
      Reply
      • chicagofan1978

        8 months ago

        He’s not, he’s the biggest joke on this comment board. I doubt he is even a Sox fan

        5 Like
        Reply
        • mike127

          8 months ago

          Chifan1978——use speller checker—-somehow it came up joke instead of jerk.

          1 Like
          Reply
      • Cub Fan in Georgia

        7 months ago

        Probably lives in moms basement, calls it a command center and diddles himself all day.

        Like
        Reply
    • jschwenn88

      8 months ago

      Trolling with your useless garbage as usual huh.

      2 Like
      Reply
      • ChiSox_Fan

        8 months ago

        When the Cub fan trolls disappear, so will I!

        Those who live in glass houses…

        I haven’t missed a Sox game on MLB.tv yet this season!

        Like
        Reply
        • classicmixup

          8 months ago

          so proud of you

          Like
          Reply
        • bucknerkingmansutter

          8 months ago

          From your Mom’s basement…

          Like
          Reply
  4. ChiSoxCity

    8 months ago

    Championshiiiip! lol

    Like
    Reply
    • SalaryCapMyth

      8 months ago

      @ChiSox. Every team has trolls. They will always be there. I have no dog in this fight. I’m a Braves fan and we have PLENTY of trolls. You’re just one of those many trolls now. Think of it as fighting for a cause if you like but you are just making yourself one of them.

      2 Like
      Reply
      • Cub Fan in Georgia

        7 months ago

        I live in Atlanta and a Cub fan. I go to several Braves games and I do like them. It’s amazing they have done as well as they have this year considering all the injuries to the pitching staff. Snitker and his staff have done a remarkable job.

        Like
        Reply
  5. angt222

    8 months ago

    Yeah I knew a contender would scoop him up for a postseason run. Maybe he hits enough to play CF

    1 Like
    Reply
    • Cosmodeus

      8 months ago

      He doesn’t. Just trust me on this, he doesn’t.

      1 Like
      Reply
    • echozulu88

      8 months ago

      Isn’t that what any gaining team always says about Hamilton? IF he hits and then he doesn’t

      Like
      Reply
  6. chitown311

    8 months ago

    LMAO!!!! I just can’t with this guy anymore!

    2 Like
    Reply
    • JohhnyBets67

      8 months ago

      If only Theo would’ve traded for all star slugger Jarrod Dyson first!

      3 Like
      Reply
      • chitown311

        8 months ago

        He absolutely would have, but he can’t because has nothing left to trade for a 5th OF. That is exactly why he has been claiming garbage off the scrap heap for 3+ years. Hence the term “Dumster Divin’ Theo”. Wake up Johnny!

        4 Like
        Reply
        • JohhnyBets67

          8 months ago

          “I don’t win many trades but when I do it’s against tricky Ricky Hahn.”

          -Jon Daniels

          3 Like
          Reply
        • ChiSox_Fan

          8 months ago

          Ha Cease and Eloy vs Q!

          Enjoy!

          1 Like
          Reply
        • classicmixup

          8 months ago

          You win some and lose trades. How is the James Shields trade working for you

          Like
          Reply
        • ChiSox_Fan

          7 months ago

          How is the Lou Brock trade working for you Cubbie fans?!!!

          1 Like
          Reply
      • ChiSox_Fan

        8 months ago

        Dyson too expensive

        Cubs are broke! What don’t you get!

        Team is headed to Montreal!

        Like
        Reply
      • ChiSox_Fan

        8 months ago

        Exactly!

        It’s too late now, but Sox could have traded Dyson for Almora.

        Like
        Reply
  7. mlb1225

    8 months ago

    Oh god, he’s back. 56 of his 302 stolen bases have been against the Pirates.

    Like
    Reply
  8. Cosmodeus

    8 months ago

    Does this guy literally have to pass through each and every team once for the league to finally figure out he just is not a baseball player?

    Like
    Reply
    • mlb1225

      8 months ago

      I don’t think anyone is denying he can’t hit, but why not have a guy who’s lightning fast, and great fielder as the 28th man on your roster down the stretch?

      Like
      Reply
      • Cosmodeus

        8 months ago

        Because it just doesn’t add enough value to justify the roster spot. Fans think it does, but it just doesn’t. Plus, trust me, at some point he going to get an at bat or two and it’s going to be ugly. He’s going to be a negative value.

        1 Like
        Reply
        • Cmurphy

          8 months ago

          On a normal 26 man roster I agree. But now that they allow 28 through the end of the season, why not.

          1 Like
          Reply
        • smuzqwpdmx

          8 months ago

          Prior to this year, Hamilton never had a negative WAR. Unless you’re going to judge by 22 AB, his numbers suggest he’s an adequate reserve if he doesn’t cost you above the minimum. Occasionally even been good enough to start.

          Like
          Reply
      • TLB2001

        8 months ago

        Because Cosmodeous doesn’t believe speed has any value whatsoever in baseball because one time he read half an article that said stolen bases are more trouble than they’re worth and obviously stolen bases are the only way speed can provide value on your roster.

        Like
        Reply
        • Cosmodeus

          8 months ago

          TLB, It’s a bit more complicated. Example: pinch running: it’s importance comes up way to infrequently. Chances are he’ll never make a difference there. Speed matters IF you can get on base. He can’t. But by all means ride out the 3 stages of Billy Hamilton. Delude yourself into thinking he has value. In time, you’ll see.

          Like
          Reply
        • mlb1225

          8 months ago

          Yea, but who else are they going to fill in on that 28th spot? It’s not like he’s going to become their fulltime CF. He’s probably going to fill a role like Terrance Gore does.

          Like
          Reply
        • Cosmodeus

          8 months ago

          I think they could make better use of the spot. The Terrence Gore role is a bad strategy, is my whole point

          Like
          Reply
        • mlb1225

          8 months ago

          I mean, who else are they going to put there? A mop up reliever? Roll the dice on some minor leaguer and see what they can do even though they’re in contention?

          Like
          Reply
        • Cosmodeus

          8 months ago

          Yep. Hamilton doesn’t help a contending team. The probability of a pinch runner only guy contributing anything meaningful is minuscule. Taking a chance on a minor leaguer would be better. Hamilton is a net negative. Yes, a mop up reliever would be more useful.

          Like
          Reply
  9. bobbyk

    8 months ago

    Can’t steal 1st base. Secondly, will someone , anyone please try to teach Billy Hamilton how to B-U-N-T. Mother of God, he can fly!! Brett Butler made a living bunting for hits. It’s worth a try.

    Like
    Reply
    • Ted

      8 months ago

      You CAN steal your way on base in extra innings now. With bigger rosters that’s where I’d use him; he never plays unless you have a critical need for a PR late or you need a free runner on 2nd. He made some bone headed baserunning mistakes with the Mets unfortunately…

      Like
      Reply
    • wild bill tetley

      8 months ago

      Cincy’s minor league staff dropped the ball on that one. Hamilton should be the world’s best bunter and an excellent slash hitter with the 3B creeping in.

      Like
      Reply
      • schellis

        8 months ago

        Sad thing is they had Norris hopper around who if he managed to teach Hamilton half his skills as a bunting slap hitter would have made Hamilton playable. Hopper was great at that not butler great of course but he got a lot out of his talent

        Like
        Reply
  10. Gumby82

    8 months ago

    Every playoff team needs a guy who can steal a base late in games. With rosters expanded, it’s amazing to me that he is on his third team this season

    Like
    Reply
    • schellis

      8 months ago

      Dave Roberts 2004. Hamilton has playoff value. I know his cup of coffee year he didn’t hit much and still was impact player.

      Like
      Reply
    • Roll

      8 months ago

      even though he is lightening fast he has lapses in his decision on base stealing because he thinks he can steal whenever he wants. Thats why the mets released him.

      Like
      Reply
  11. 13Morgs13

    8 months ago

    If only u could steal first base in baseball

    Like
    Reply
  12. tgallagher

    8 months ago

    .045? I’m pretty sure I could hit .045.

    Like
    Reply
    • hiflew

      8 months ago

      And you could get from first to second in half the time of Hamilton. And you could cover probably 25% of the outfield area that he can cover. But aside from that, you two are practically identical.

      Like
      Reply
      • JohhnyBets67

        8 months ago

        Thanks hiflew for being insulted by a clear joke. I’m really glad a professional athlete can run laps around your average joe. As if we didn’t all know that already.

        Like
        Reply
  13. lowtalker1

    8 months ago

    Tatis is faster
    Turner is faster

    Like
    Reply
    • justinept

      8 months ago

      Either of them available?

      Like
      Reply
    • ChiSox_Fan

      8 months ago

      Robert is fastest!

      Like
      Reply
      • wrek305

        7 months ago

        And the white sox will be looking to trade Jimenez and Robert within 3-4 years. We just say starting from 2021. 2022 they’ll shed off grandal as well or at least try to. Unless your name is Yadi Molina no one is gonna trade for a 35 year old catcher (by that time will be a dh only player. )

        Like
        Reply
  14. Rangers29

    8 months ago

    Hamilton is the least valuable speedster in the game. Doesn’t get on base a ton, gets caught stealing a ton, and of course he can’t hit. Every speedster can typically play good defense in the outfield, so I’d say he’s average (in a sense that all speedsters are on an even playing field for defense). I just don’t like this move, but I doubt it will make a big difference anyways.

    (Watch Hamilton go and hit a homer in game 7 of the WS like Rajah Davis after I said he “won’t make a big difference” lol)

    Like
    Reply
    • Technically correct

      8 months ago

      If that’s true, you should be more pessimistic about your Rangers. What’s wrong with Choo?

      Like
      Reply
    • Cosmodeus

      8 months ago

      His defense is great. The total package just isn’t worth it. Every fan base thinks he’s gonna contribute with speed on the way in; they’re cursing his name on the way out, which usually doesn’t take long to happen

      1 Like
      Reply
      • Technically correct

        8 months ago

        That’s what my ex-girlfriends all say too!

        3 Like
        Reply
  15. Tom1968

    8 months ago

    At this rate he should pass Edwin jackson for most teams played for in 2 yrs

    Like
    Reply
    • Cosmodeus

      8 months ago

      He might do that by the end of the month

      Like
      Reply
  16. ChangedName

    8 months ago

    Why is Jordan Bastian covering a different team every year or so?

    Like
    Reply
  17. Rsox

    8 months ago

    Jarrod Dyson has never played for the Cubs. Perhaps they meant Terence Gore?…

    1 Like
    Reply
  18. Big Hurt

    8 months ago

    Surprised Vargas doesn’t get an extended look somewhere – I assume it’s because he’s 29, but he has had great numbers in AAA. I get the quad-A thing, but it’s usually for guys who have had a bit more major league opportunity – my man hit .400 in 137 PAs at AAA last year and .311 the year prior in almost 600.

    Like
    Reply
    • Cosmodeus

      8 months ago

      Those ‘18 stats aren’t that great, just a high batting average. But if your looking for a temporary backup infielder why not give him a shot? But I wouldn’t expect much.

      Like
      Reply
  19. bucketbrew35

    8 months ago

    Speed and defense include, bat sold separately.

    Like
    Reply
  20. Cub Fan in Georgia

    8 months ago

    I have looked at many of the comments and of this is all about defense and possibly stealing a base I just don’t think that’s enough. Good grief have you seen the batting averages for many of the starters. Aside from Happ and I can’t believe I am saying this Heyward. It’s just as bad now as it was under Maddon. I just see big changes coming this offseason.

    1 Like
    Reply
  21. Poopscab13

    8 months ago

    Why? Waste of a roster spot

    Like
    Reply
  22. sportsguy24/7

    7 months ago

    Dermody comes in last night, gives them a 1-2-3 inning on 9 pitches, they need bullpen help…and they DFA him? Hit 95 a couple of times too. Huh?

    Like
    Reply

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