With another projected salary bump through arbitration, the Reds did not offer a contract to center fielder Billy Hamilton before the non-tender deadline Friday. The move will send Hamilton into free agency and likely end his time in the Reds’ organization.
Hamilton, going through arbitration for the third time, could’ve made $6-7 million next season. Reds general manager Nick Krall said there were no takers on the trade market for Hamilton, forcing them to essentially release the outfielder.
The 28-year-old Hamilton had a .236 batting average and .299 on-base percentage last season, stealing a career-low 34 bases in 153 games.