Headlines

  • Red Sox Likely To Activate Alex Bregman Tomorrow
  • Astros To Promote Brice Matthews
  • Phillies Reportedly Targeting Controllable Relievers
  • Yankees Prioritizing Pitching, Also Searching For Infield Help
  • Orioles Trade Bryan Baker To Rays
  • Yankees Release DJ LeMahieu
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

Remove Ads
  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2025 Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

White Sox To Select Billy Hamilton

By Steve Adams | May 2, 2023 at 11:32am CDT

The White Sox are set to select the contract of veteran outfielder Billy Hamilton, reports Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times. He had an opt-out clause in his minor league deal, so he’ll be called up in order to prevent him from pursuing new opportunities in free agency. The Sox are also preparing to activate infielders Tim Anderson and Hanser Alberto from the 10-day injured list. A slate of corresponding moves will be forthcoming, though a 40-man roster move isn’t necessary for Hamilton. The Sox have an open spot after outrighting pitcher A.J. Alexy late last week.

Hamilton, 32, spent the 2021 season with the White Sox, hitting .220/.242/.378 in 135 trips to the plate. That small sample of work at the plate was spread over the life of 71 games, reflecting Hamilton’s usage as a frequent pinch-runner and late-game defensive replacement. That’s the role the former top prospect has settled into since departing Cincinnati, where he was the starting center fielder for a half decade but never managed to develop enough bat to match his elite speed and defensive aptitude. He’s begun the 2023 season with a .188/.328/.271 slash in 59 Triple-A plate appearances.

Over the past four years, Hamilton has logged close to a full season’s worth of plate appearances (547) but mustered only a tepid .206/.263/.289 batting line with a 28% strikeout rate. He’s still swiped 47 bags in that time despite the infrequency with which he reaches base. Defensive metrics have long touted his glove in center field; in 6766 career innings he’s been credited with 73 Defensive Runs Saved, a 57.2 Ultimate Zone Rating and 58 Outs Above Average.

As a team, the White Sox rank 26th in the Majors with -12 DRS and 21st with -4 OAA. Unlike last season, the outfield hasn’t been a major culprit, thanks to the presence of a healthy Luis Robert Jr., the newly signed Andrew Benintendi. Prospect Oscar Colas has been the primary option in right field and graded out less successfully, however, and his bat hasn’t produced anywhere close to the levels hoped yet (.211/.265/.276 in 84 plate appearances).

Van Schouwen adds that outfielder Adam Haseley is expected to remain with the club, so it’s possible the Sox either have an injury in the outfield or are planning to give Colas some additional development time in Triple-A after a rough start to his season. However it plays out, Hamilton will give them a top-tier defender and elite speed off the bench for as long as he’s with the team.

Share 0 Retweet 10 Send via email0

Chicago White Sox Transactions Adam Haseley Billy Hamilton Hanser Alberto Tim Anderson

Yankees Activate Harrison Bader
Main
Didi Gregorius Signs With Mexican League’s Algodoneros de Unión Laguna
View Comments (60)
Post a Comment

60 Comments

  1. Spotswood

    2 years ago

    It appears Plan B has kicked in.

    So 3 roster moves need to be made. Anyone care to speculate? My guess is 3 current/former top -5 Sox prospects.

    Reply
    • Dogbone

      2 years ago

      You hate to loose him. Especially for the playoffs. Smirk!! And don’t forget his promise and trade value in 3 months.

      Reply
      • Spotswood

        2 years ago

        Backup OF of Sheets, Haseley and Hamilton. What could possibly go wrong?

        1
        Reply
    • Bob Sacamano 310

      2 years ago

      In: Billy, TA, Alberto

      Out: Sosa, Colas, Romy

      4
      Reply
      • baines03

        2 years ago

        You can’t send sosa and Romy down because you won’t have a backup 2b/SS.

        Reply
        • Bob Sacamano 310

          2 years ago

          Huh? TA plays SS, Andrus plays 2B (serves as backup SS, and then you have Alberto who can backup 2B and SS.

          3
          Reply
        • Bob Sacamano 310

          2 years ago

          Although, I wouldn’t be shocked if it’s Colas and then an IL stint to Robert or Benintendi with Romy staying as bench depth.

          2
          Reply
      • baines03

        2 years ago

        You can’t send sosa and Romy down because you won’t have a backup 2b/shirt stop .

        Reply
      • baines03

        2 years ago

        You can’t send sosa and Romy down because you won’t have a backup 2b/short stop .

        Reply
    • Aaron Sapoznik

      2 years ago

      Lenyn Sosa was optioned to AAA Charlotte yesterday. Tim Anderson and Hanser Alberto will be reinstated from the IL today. Two more moves need to be made, likely at least one more option to AAA and/or an IL stint for a current OF.

      If one more option is done today, it figures to be either Romy Gonzalez or Oscar Colas. If no IL stint is forthcoming, they could each be optioned. Best guess as to an IL stint would be an outfielder, either Luis Robert or Andrew Benintendi.

      Don’t be surprised if a pitching bullpen move is forthcoming. It’s possible Reynaldo Lopez could be headed for the IL with his “tired’ right shoulder. Other possibilities include a DFA of an ineffective veteran reliever of which there are many. Jake Diekman would be my top candidate. I can’t wait until Liam Hendriks and Garrett Crochet return later this month.

      2
      Reply
      • Bob Sacamano 310

        2 years ago

        I’m hoping Colas goes down to play every day. Lately, he has been sitting more than playing over last 2 weeks.

        Reply
    • stymeedone

      2 years ago

      So Billy is the cure for what ails them?

      1
      Reply
      • Bob Sacamano 310

        2 years ago

        Nope. Season is ovah!!!

        Reply
  2. BigB

    2 years ago

    Love the White Sox, don’t understand their fron office. Billy Hamilton, really?

    1
    Reply
    • avenger65

      2 years ago

      @BigB_ Really. Not only is Hamilton an awesome defender, better, imo, than Robert, and a blazing fast runner, he also brings a lively, outgoing presence to a team that can use it.

      3
      Reply
      • drasco036

        2 years ago

        Here is the problem for the White Sox and Hamilton:
        To use speed on the bases, you have to get on base.
        To properly utilize a defensive replacement, you have to have a lead to protect.

        10
        Reply
        • IronBallsMcGinty

          2 years ago

          The Sox can get on base they just have trouble scoring. Countless times I’ve watched them load the bases and come up empty.

          Reply
        • drasco036

          2 years ago

          Bully Hamilton cannot. That was the point.

          1
          Reply
    • Spotswood

      2 years ago

      Yeah… It’s concerning that back in December the conversation went like this:

      “So we’re all agreed. We’re going with Colas in RF. And If something’s totally crazy happens and our star prospect can’t replicate his AA numbers for us, we’ll go with Billy Hamilton.”

      4
      Reply
  3. CarryABigStick

    2 years ago

    Seriously? Was hoping this article was excerpted from Babylon Bee.

    2
    Reply
  4. cubfanforever

    2 years ago

    Billy Hamilton screams desperation.
    He brings virtually nothing but his speed to the table.

    7
    Reply
    • Armaments216

      2 years ago

      I.e. if he’s not setting that table, it doesn’t really help to bring speed to it.

      Reply
  5. Play the Game

    2 years ago

    Colas, Sosa, Gonzalez going to the Minors is my guess

    2
    Reply
    • avenger65

      2 years ago

      Play the Game: That’s where they should be.

      1
      Reply
    • Aaron Sapoznik

      2 years ago

      Lenyn Sosa was optioned to AAA on Monday per the White Sox official website: mlb.com/whitesox/roster/transactions

      Reply
  6. getrealgone2

    2 years ago

    Getting ready for that new pinch runner rule ahead of time?

    Reply
    • mike127

      2 years ago

      and whom are you suggesting get on base to invoke this rule?

      3
      Reply
  7. mike127

    2 years ago

    Here comes the “Luis Robert really had a hamstring issue” story….

    1
    Reply
    • avenger65

      2 years ago

      It would be a better reason than “Luis Robert becomes yet another member of the Sox dogging it to 1b.”

      1
      Reply
  8. sascoach2003

    2 years ago

    My guess is short-term replacement for somebody, followed by a DFA. Billy would probably go unclaimed, whereas Marisnick might, big might, have been claimed given that he can make contact sometime, and play defense and has speed. Not Hamilton speed, but above average.

    1
    Reply
  9. Chicago Heckler

    2 years ago

    Is today April 1?

    1
    Reply
  10. lasershow45

    2 years ago

    I wonder why they didn’t just let him exercise his opt-out.

    My guess is his plus-speed and plus-defense outweighs the bat and the white sox are known to struggle on defense.

    I’m also guessing he doesn’t start every day

    1
    Reply
  11. mjc71

    2 years ago

    .188 at AAA, he’ll fit right in…. Another useless player that cannot hit.

    3
    Reply
  12. vtadave

    2 years ago

    Is one of Manfraud’s new rules that you can now steal first base?

    2
    Reply
    • User 2079935927

      2 years ago

      I don’t know about that but Ron LeFlore was asked I there were any ballplayers in prison better than him. He wouldn’t name the guy but Ron said he could steal anything.

      Reply
      • kma

        2 years ago

        Does anybody remember that made-for-TV movie starring LeVar Burton as LeFlore. I thought it was pretty good but I was also 12.

        Reply
  13. joew

    2 years ago

    My prediction Every time he gets on first he’ll get at least one stolen base

    Reply
  14. TrillionaireTeamOperator

    2 years ago

    I love Billy Hamilton. He’s a subtly valuable player if he can get on base and he’s got a really entertaining presence.

    2
    Reply
    • Spotswood

      2 years ago

      “If he can get on base”, “If everyone stays healthy”, “If Colas can make the jump from AA to MLB”, “If Colas doesn’t work, maybe Billy Hamilton might work”, “If Moncada, Giolito, Lynn, Clevinger, Grandal, Kelly, Diekman, Robert can bounce back”. “If Andrus, Vaughn, Sheets and Kopech and Eloy can have career years.”

      Not a great way to run an organization

      2
      Reply
      • DCartrow

        2 years ago

        Lotta ifs there.
        Crippling Kipling approach to be sure.

        1
        Reply
        • Spotswood

          2 years ago

          Can you imagine taking a month or longer just to explore, “What’s the problem”

          1
          Reply
    • martras

      2 years ago

      He can’t get on base, though. That’s the entire problem.

      Reply
      • Spotswood

        2 years ago

        Sigh… Follow the thread from my comment down.

        Reply
        • martras

          2 years ago

          Sigh….. sigh…. siiiiiiigggggggghhhhhhhhh

          I was responding to TrillionaireTeamOperator

          Reply
        • Spotswood

          2 years ago

          Sorry. It should have been obvious that was a possibility. Mea culpa

          Reply
  15. Old York

    2 years ago

    Guy’s raking in AAA. Raking the grass as a member of the maintenance crew.

    …

    I’ll be here all week.

    2
    Reply
  16. JSC Cubbs

    2 years ago

    I really hope he keeps getting added to MLB rosters for 20 game stretches well into his 40s. Billy is an inspiration for optimizing what skills you do have. Run Billy Run!

    2
    Reply
  17. fre5hwind

    2 years ago

    White Sox already having a meltdown… feel bad for the fans their stadium atmosphere is amazing.

    Reply
  18. roob

    2 years ago

    The White Sox will always be operating under the hope and pray method of team building.

    It’s no surprise that none of their young players have been good because they’re never ready or prepared for big league success. They are usually rushed and with little in the way of a back up plan when they, inevitably, fail.

    1
    Reply
    • flamingbagofpoop

      2 years ago

      They’ve been good…they just haven’t been able to be consistently good. Or good at the same time.

      Reply
  19. baseballandbrews

    2 years ago

    Billy Hamilton has been with so many teams trying to harness that talent, I completely forgot he was originally with the Cincinnati Reds after all this time. Good luck in Chicago… round 2!

    Reply
  20. This one belongs to the Reds

    2 years ago

    Good for Billy.

    Liked the guy, always wished he would figure it out as a player (hit the ball on the ground, learn to bunt).

    3
    Reply
  21. websoulsurfer

    2 years ago

    When you are calling up a guy that hasn’t played consistently in the majors since 2019 and stunk then your team is in some serious trouble.

    Especially one that is hitting .188 in AAA. Muy Patetico.

    White Sox sure made a flurry of roster moves today. 10 moves plus putting Kelly on the paternity list.

    Reply
  22. PiratesFan1981

    2 years ago

    How is Billy still in the majors? Guy can’t hit worth a dang. This has to be his 6th team since Cincy let him go. Geez oh mighty, hang up those cleats and join a Sunday league already

    Reply
    • PiratesFan1981

      2 years ago

      Just looked 8 teams with a second go around with the white Sox.

      Reply
  23. miltpappas

    2 years ago

    The White Sox just totally confuse me.

    Reply
  24. martras

    2 years ago

    I have to admit I do not understand the continued fascination MLB teams have with Billy Hamilton. He’s pretty much a zero WAR guy, yet he consistently gets time at the MLB level. I mean… I guess if you’re trying to avoid starting the clock on a legitimate prospect, Hamilton protects service time from potentially valuable young core players, but that’s not the situation for the White Sox and Hamilton is not going to help a team make the playoffs.

    Reply
  25. ham77

    2 years ago

    This man has made a pretty good career out of not being able to hit a lick.

    Reply
  26. pharmorlover

    2 years ago

    Herb Washington is coming out of retirement to play for the Soxs . Yes you heard it right. Just ran into him at McDonald’s as I was eating a Big Mac ! He said Jerry reached out to him and asked if he was interested. I was sporting my 1974 Sal Bando jersey so he knew I meant business. By the way the fries were a bit cold

    Reply
  27. Curvesarebetter

    2 years ago

    So they have about 5 DH’s and now a DR? Great roster depth

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

    Top Stories

    Red Sox Likely To Activate Alex Bregman Tomorrow

    Astros To Promote Brice Matthews

    Phillies Reportedly Targeting Controllable Relievers

    Yankees Prioritizing Pitching, Also Searching For Infield Help

    Orioles Trade Bryan Baker To Rays

    Yankees Release DJ LeMahieu

    Trevor Williams To Undergo UCL Surgery

    Nationals Fire PBO Mike Rizzo, Manager Dave Martinez

    Brewers Activate Brandon Woodruff

    Clarke Schmidt Expected To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    Bobby Jenks Passes Away

    Braves Release Alex Verdugo

    Top 40 Trade Candidates For The 2025 Deadline

    Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim

    Yankees Have Shown Interest In Ryan McMahon

    Royals Interested In Bryan Reynolds

    Rangers Option Josh Jung

    Kevin Pillar Announces Retirement

    Braves Place Spencer Schwellenbach On IL With Elbow Fracture

    Giants Exercise 2026 Option On Manager Bob Melvin

    Recent

    Mets To Designate Rico Garcia For Assignment

    J.D. Davis Signs With NPB’s Seibu Lions

    The Opener: 2025 Draft, Pitchers’ Duel, Mets

    Trade Deadline Outlook: New York Yankees

    Trade Deadline Outlook: Atlanta Braves

    Which Other Relievers Might The Orioles Shop?

    Lee Elia Passes Away

    Red Sox Likely To Activate Alex Bregman Tomorrow

    Poll: Which Teams Should Make The Biggest Push For Jarren Duran?

    MLB Finalizes Home Run Derby Field

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Sandy Alcantara Rumors
    • Luis Robert Rumors
    • Alex Bregman Rumors

     

    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android App Store Google Play

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Remove Ads, Support Our Writers
    • Front Office Originals
    • Front Office Fantasy Baseball
    • MLBTR Podcast
    • Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • RSS/Twitter Feeds By Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information

    hide arrows scroll to top

    Register

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version