This could be a make-or-break season for Billy Hamilton if he wants to remain an everyday player.
Since 2014, the Cincinnati Reds’ center field job has belonged to the speedster, who has developed into one of the best defensive players in baseball at his position. Struggles at the plate have held him back, however, with a career slash line of .242/.287/.330. If the team’s former No. 1 prospect doesn’t produce at the plate in 2016 — or make strides in the right direction, at least — he may lose that starting spot.
Despite Hamilton’s offensive shortcomings, his job has stayed safe to this point because of his defensive abilities and a lack of competition.