Article: David Hamilton, Once An Afterthought In The Red Sox System, Has The Potential To Be An MLB Contributor

[Joey Giragos]

David Hamilton has done an admirable job helping the Red Sox weather the Trevor Story injury but is better-suited as a trade chip this winter?

When David Hamilton was acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers in the Hunter Renfroe package, he was an afterthought in the eyes of Red Sox fans. The fanbase, ever critical of former general manager Chaim Bloom, was outraged at the unexpected move, sending a productive corner outfielder in Renfroe for an aging, expensive Jackie Bradley Jr. and Hamilton and Alex Binelas. However, the initially unpopular move now looks to be one of Bloom’s biggest wins during his tumultuous tenure, as Hamilton has blossomed into a reliable middle infield option in 2024. 

After an unproductive major league stint in 2023, where he posted a putrid 25 wRC+, Hamilton arrived at spring training in 2024 as no more than a Triple-A depth piece. Early on, it seemed it would stay that way; Hamilton got off to a slow start with the WooSox, his average far below the Mendoza line and a wRC+ of just 82. But when Trevor Story went down with a shoulder injury on April 5th, the Red Sox called on Hamilton, as his elite speed and solid glove could offer an effective short-term replacement. But as fans called on the Red Sox to pursue external middle infield options through trade, Hamilton quietly began to heat up, posting a sparkling 146 wRC+ in May, finishing the first half with a 104 wRC+. 

While Hamilton has slowed down considerably with the bat, posting a wRC+ of just 66 in the second half, he’s shown flashes of being a competent, if not solid, offensive contributor. Whether or not he can consistently make hard contact remains to be seen, as it will be interesting to see if Peter Fatse and the Red Sox's hitting development system can tap into Hamilton’s underrated power. 

Hamilton was placed on the injured list on August 28th after breaking his finger laying down a bunt, likely ending his season, so his season stats are probably final. According to Baseball-Reference, the 26-year-old has been worth 2.7 WAR, while FanGraphs pegs him at 1.6; he’s accumulated most of his value through defense and baserunning. After stealing 57 bags in Triple-A in 2023, his speed has been as advertised, as he swiped 33 bags in 2024. He’s also been somewhat underrated defensively; his initial struggles at shortstop led many fans to peg the Texas native as a generally poor defender, but he’s been quite valuable at second base, posting an 8 Defensive Runs Saved and 3 Outs Above Average.

Hamilton’s 2024 campaign has been solid by all means; he ranks in the top five of all AL rookies in fWAR. However, due to the influx of Red Sox middle infield prospects on the horizon and Hamilton’s handedness in a lineup full of lefties, he could be an interesting trade piece for Craig Breslow in the upcoming offseason. A young infielder with plus-plus speed and a good glove could probably net a controllable reliever on his own or be a complimentary piece in a larger deal for a starting pitcher. It’s worth listening on Hamilton while his value is still pretty high, and it will be interesting to see what Breslow will do in his second offseason as Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer.

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[moonslav59]

He may just be a flash in the pan, but his speed and base-stealing skills are for real. He is okay at 2B, but he is below average at SS, on defense. It will all come down to his OBP, which will feed into the speed aspect of his strength. Until Mayer or Campbell take the 2B job, I see a DHam platoon situation with Grissom or Romy to start the 2025 season.

He is making the Renfroe- JBJ trade look a little better, years later.

[Bellhorn04]

Good story, thanks.  Hamilton really surprised with his pop this year.  Bummer he';s injured right now.

[moonslav59]

5 hours ago, Bellhorn04 said:

Good story, thanks.  Hamilton really surprised with his pop this year.  Bummer he';s injured right now.

Pop and circumstance.

Gotta like the 33 SBs in 37 attempts in just 317 PAs. That's a pace of over 65 in 650 PAs with 16 HRs and close to 55 XBHs.

He may need to improve on his .303 OBP to stick around. His D at 2B is pretty decent.