The Kansas City Royals announced they’ve designated outfielder Billy Hamilton for assignment.
Hamilton, 28, has struggled mightily this season at the plate slashing only .211/.275/.269 with 12 doubles, zero home runs, and 18 stolen bases. That comes out to an ugly and career-worst .544 OPS.
The good news is that Hamilton has been one of the best defensive center fielders in baseball this year with 10 defensive runs saved in only 716 innings. His 18.7 UZR/150 not only leads outfielders, but all defensive players this year.
Hamilton signed a one-year, $4.25 million deal last offseason that included a $7.5 million option for 2020 with a $1 million buyout.
The Mets current third and fourth outfielders are Juan Lagares (struggled overall despite recent success) and Aaron Altherr (struggled for about two years now).
