According to Jon Morosi of MLB.com, the San Francisco Giants are in “active communication” with the Cincinnati Reds about trading for outfielder Billy Hamilton. The Reds are reportedly interested in Giants prospect Heliot Ramos.
Hamilton, 27, appeared in 139 games for Cincinnati in 2017, hitting to a .247/.299/.335 clip with four homers and 38 RBI over 633 plate appearances. However, he was good for 1.0 WAR and swiped 59 bases.
His advanced metrics at the dish aren’t much better, as he registered just a 66 wRC+ and .278 wOBA this past season. He really shines in the field, though, as he logged a 7.6 UZR and was good for nine defensive runs saved in 1,175.1 innings in central in 2017.
The outfielder, who is slated to earn $5 million next season, was rumored to be of interest to the Mets last month according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Though that $5 million might be too rich for the Mets taste.
The Giants have already been active this offseason, acquiring Evan Longoria from the Tampa Bay Rays earlier this month.
Hamilton can become a free agent after the 2019 season.
