“If he could just get on base more often, just think of the damage he could do.”
Since Billy Hamilton’s first full season in 2014, that’s a statement Reds fans have heard over and over. His speed is sensational, and his defense is dazzling — but his bat has always lagged behind.
Coming into the 2017 season, many were cautiously optimistic about Hamilton, however, as the Reds’ center fielder showed noticeable improvement as last year wore on.
Hamilton slashed an ugly .236/.283/.350 heading into the all-star break. With an abysmal 5.6% walk rate leading to such a low on-base percentage, he was only able to steal 22 bases.