The Chicago Cubs sign Billy Hamilton, adding veteran speed to their potential postseason roster with a minor league contract.
Mar 22, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox outfielder Billy Hamilton against the Kansas City Royals during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale.
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Cubs have added veteran speed to their organizational depth, signing outfielder Billy Hamilton to a minor league contract as they prepare for the postseason push.
Postseason Eligibility
The signing was made official on August 31, ensuring Hamilton’s eligibility for potential postseason play should the Cubs advance to October. While manager Craig Counsell indicated that late-season signings like Hamilton are primarily viewed as “worst-case scenario” planning, the veteran’s elite speed makes him an intriguing pinch-running option.
“At this point, if players signed to go to [Triple-A] Iowa, those are the kind of scenarios where something you don’t really plan on happening, happens,” Counsell explained. “And you just want to make sure that you have players that could fill in.”
Staying Sharp Internationally
Hamilton’s last MLB appearance came in 2023 with the White Sox, but the 34-year-old (turning 35 on September 9) has remained active professionally. Over the past two years, he’s played in Mexico’s independent league, the Mexican Pacific League, and the Caribbean Series, accumulating 87 stolen bases in 142 combined games.
Career Speed Legacy
Hamilton burst onto the scene as a prospect in 2012, setting a minor league record with 155 stolen bases. During his 11-year MLB career spanning 951 games, he never developed into a consistent offensive threat, slashing .239/.292/.325 with just 24 home runs. However, his legs and glove made him valuable, particularly during his early years with Cincinnati.
The speedster recorded 326 career steals, including four consecutive seasons (2014-17) with 56 or more. His defensive metrics were equally impressive, posting 57 outs above average and 74 defensive runs saved throughout his career.
Cubs Connection
Hamilton previously appeared in 14 games for the Cubs in 2020, giving him familiarity with the organization. His signing joins recent minor league additions Austin Gomber and Joe Ross as depth options for Chicago’s playoff run.
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While Hamilton may never see major league action with Chicago, his presence provides insurance for late-game situations where speed could prove decisive in October baseball.
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