The Cubs signed Billy Hamilton to a minor league contract last week, according to Hamilton’s MLB.com profile page. The signing specifically took place on August 31, which means that Hamilton is eligible for a spot on Chicago’s postseason roster.
Hamilton (who turns 35 in two days) was assigned to the Cubs’ Arizona Complex League team and hasn’t yet seen any game action. It could be that Hamilton is simply being ramped up in a Spring Training-esque environment given that he hasn’t played much in 2025, and hasn’t taken part in affiliated baseball since 2023. The outfielder appeared in 132 games in 2024 between stints in the Mexican League and in winter league action, but he has played in just 10 games during the 2025 Mexican League season.
A veteran of 11 Major League seasons from 2013-23, Hamilton is known for his excellent defense and incredible speed, with 326 career stolen bases (out of 398 attempts). Only Starling Marte has more steals since the start of the 2013 season, and Marte amassed his 349 steals with the benefit of over 500 more games than Hamilton. Despite those elite tools, Hamilton has never been much of a hitter, with only a .239/.292/.325 slash line to show for 3285 career plate appearances in the Show.
After beginning his career as the Reds’ regular center fielder, Hamilton’s last few Major League seasons were largely spent bouncing around between several teams as defensive depth and as a pinch-running specialist. This includes a prior stint with the Cubs, and it was exactly five years ago today that Chicago claimed Hamilton off waivers from the Mets. Hamilton started only one of his 14 regular-season games in a Cubs uniform, and came off the bench again in one playoff game, as the Cubs were swept in two games during their wild card series with the Marlins.
A similar role is surely in store for Hamilton if the Cubs decide to add him to their active roster. The Cubs have a sizeable lead in the NL wild card race and are looking like a virtual lock to reach the playoffs, allowing the team some flexibility in using September as a chance to get healthy and to decide on its optimal postseason roster. Chicago isn’t exactly hurting for speed (ranking third in baseball with 142 steals) or outfield depth, but having Hamilton in the organization gives the Cubs yet another option to consider, especially if an injury arises.
Wow that was a surprising name to hear, very cool, good for him might as well give it another go.
If he still has something in the tank might be good as a late inning defense and speed guy.
Terrance Gore 2.0
Hamilton has played waaaay more than Gore.
Hamilton could actually hit an mlb home run, gore only hit 1 home run throughout the entire major and minor league
Chandler Simpson might also never hit a home run
Billy is back?!?! The good news I didn’t know I needed!
Quintin Berry
Terrence Gore
Tim Locastro
Billy Hamilton
Am I missing any other postseason SB merchants of modern past?
Joey Gathright?
Herb Washington?
Lane Adams
Raul Mondesi Jr.
Virgil – Dave Roberts.
Cubs have had Berry and Gore on playoff rosters.
…and Hamilton in 2020, too.
Close enough, welcome back Terrance Gore
I mean, I guess…
Acoss – It’s a good move. Red Sox have their own speed demon Hamilton, he can turn any walk/single/error into a run. It’s a very valuable tool, especially in the postseason when pitching is strong, runs are scarce, and games are close.
Fever,
You’re right, some speed off the bench can’t hurt lol
I’d say this is a joke but it’s Jed.
Luis Aparicio is still alive. He had great speed 60 years ago. Let’s add him.
Catch up MLBTR, even the Cubs MLB page had this news 3 days ago
It’s because it’s a complete flier move for someone that ought to just retire.
If only you could steal first base.
Only in banana ball
Morgs – Don’t need to. There’s something called pinch runner.
Look up “Dave Roberts 2004 ALCS”.
But keep bragging about this minor league system. The Cubs play in the 2nd half is the real team and the needle is pointing down but Hamilton and Santana are here!
Mark, do your homework. “if” an injury arises? Both Kyle Tucker and PCA might be going on the IL. Even if not, they won’t go on the IL, they will miss several days. If not saying the Cubs are ready to promote this guy to the majors, just saying di your homework.
He might not be the fastest Hamilton. But if the Cubs and Red Sox go to 7th game and it’s tied after 15 innings, Manfred will decide that they have a race to decide who is World Series Champion. The Hamiltonian.
I don’t think a 35 year old washed up player is going to be a speed demon. Maybe he has a chance with the bigger bases I guess.
Dear Kevin Alcantara: Sorry you’re just too slow. Signed Gollum.