Braves decline $7.5M option on Billy Hamilton, but could still bring him back

The Atlanta Braves declined the $7.5 million team option for Billy Hamilton in 2020, but that doesn’t mean we’ve seen him in a Braves uniform for the last time.

It came as a surprise to no one that the Atlanta Braves declined the $7.5 million team option for outfielder Billy Hamilton the day after the World Series.

While the Braves have several difficult decisions to make in terms of player options over the next couple of days, this one was a no-brainer.

That’s no disrespect to Billy Hamilton who did great things for Atlanta in 2019, that’s just a lot of money for a pinch-runner and defensive replacement.

In just 26 games with the Braves in 2019, Hamilton hit .268 in 41 at-bats with 9 runs scored and 4 stolen bases.

But at this point in his career, Hamilton is nothing more than a bench player who can steal a base and play Gold Glove defense in center field.

That still has some value in this game, and the Braves could look to bring him back.

He played so well with Atlanta down the stretch, that Hamilton may want to come back to see if he can continue that trend with this coaching staff.

The only problem is, the Braves have a couple of youngsters in Cristian Pache and Drew Waters who are knocking on the door and could even start the 2020 season on the Major League roster.

I think the only way Hamilton rejoins the Braves is on a Minor League deal as depth, and that would be a good move for the Braves if Hamilton is willing to do it.

Again, what Hamilton does has a ton of value. The ability to bring him off the bench late in a game to steal a base and score a run is huge.

I actually thought Brian Snitker didn’t utilize him enough in that role down the stretch.

Personally, I’d love to see him back on a Minor League deal. But either way, I just wish the best for Hamilton because he is a very exciting player to watch when he’s doing what he does best.