On what is expected to be a day full of roster moves, the White Sox are reportedly making a surprising one.
According to Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times, the White Sox will select fan-favorite outfielder Billy Hamilton from Triple-A Charlotte. A corresponding move was not reported, but per Van Schouwen, Adam Haseley will remain in Chicago for now.
Hamilton has spent all of this season in Charlotte after being signed by the White Sox to a minor-league deal this past December. He previously spent time with the White Sox in 2021 but was not resigned after that season. In 2022, Hamilton played 37 total games between the Miami Marlins and the Minnesota Twins. During that season, he slashed .050/.136/.050 with a -43 OPS+.
Hamilton has always been known throughout his career as an above-average fielder and an elite base runner. Perhaps as no surprise, he is currently hitting only .188/.328/.271 for the Knights this year. Though this move may seem confusing at first, the reason for Hamilton’s promotion is due to an opt-out clause in his minor league deal. While he will likely only be in Chicago temporarily, it will now prevent him from exercising that clause and pursuing new opportunities in free agency.
All of this aside, the White Sox are likely hoping Hamilton can provide an energy spark and a good clubhouse presence to this struggling team.
At the same time, another move still has to happen in order for Hamilton to be added to the 40-man roster and active roster. As for the active roster, it could make sense to demote the struggling Oscar Colas, though this would result in Gavin Sheets and Eloy Jimenez seeing more time in the outfield as a result. Colas is hitting just .211/.265/.276 on the season, and could likely use the opportunity to work through his struggles in Charlotte.
As more information becomes available, we will continue to provide updates.
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Has it come to this, they bring up a guy who had one hit in 2022, with two teams, and hit .100 in spring training, now posting a robust .188 average at AAA. Seriously, that’s the best idea they have?
Yes