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Phillies: 3 free agent center fielders they can sign

By George Stockburger

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 25: Kevin Pillar #1 of the San Francisco Giants bats against the Colorado Rockies in the bottom of the fifth inning at Oracle Park on September 25, 2019 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 25: Kevin Pillar #1 of the San Francisco Giants bats against the Colorado Rockies in the bottom of the fifth inning at Oracle Park on September 25, 2019 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 28: Billy Hamilton #9 of the Atlanta Braves in action against the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 28, 2019 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Braves 3-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 28: Billy Hamilton #9 of the Atlanta Braves in action against the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 28, 2019 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Braves 3-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Billy Hamilton

The former Cincinnati Reds speedy star has bounced around the last couple of seasons after bat failed to catch up to his defense and base running ability.

Billy Hamilton was the runner-up for the 2014 Rookie of the Year after receiving four first place votes behind Mets ace Jacob deGrom. As a rookie Hamilton hit .250 with 25 doubles, eight triples, six home runs, and a ridiculous 56 stolen bases. While he shockingly didn’t lead the league in stolen bases (finishing eight short of Dee Gordon’s amazing 64) he did lead the league in times caught stealing with 23.

As a hitter Hamilton’s career has been inconsistent, hitting anywhere from .218 to .260 since his rookie season. The one thing he has always brought is his speed and defense in center field, although he’s surprisingly never won a Gold Glove.

After five full seasons with the Reds Hamilton went to Kansas City last season where he continued to struggle at the plate. He saw a resurgence in 26 games with the Atlanta Braves late in the season hitting .268 with a .375 on-base percentage.

A knock on the Phillies potentially signing Hamilton is that they basically have this kind of player in Roman Quinn, although Hamilton has been much healthier in his career. If he’s open to a minor league deal the Phillies shouldn’t hesitate to give him a jersey and some playing time down in Clearwater this spring with the chance to break the new 26-man roster.

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