No surprise here, but according to Jon Heyman, the Braves will be declining Billy Hamilton’s team option worth $7.5 million.
Braves will decline Billy Hamilton’s $7.5M option
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 1, 2019
Hamilton assumed primarily a pinch-running and defensive role for the Braves last season as the injuries mounted up in the outfield. The Braves will now be on the hook for a $1 million buyout.
Now 29 years old, Hamilton burst onto the scene as an electric speedster with the Reds, but unfortunately, he has not been able to hold his own with the bat. He lacks power, and his average is incredibly poor for a player with so much speed. If he could get on enough, he’s capable of stealing 50+ bases each season. Hamilton likely will not be with the Braves in 2020, but he served his purpose this past season.