CLEVELAND – Fast free-agent outfielder Billy Hamilton has agreed to a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press Thursday night.
Hamilton, who spent last season with the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs, will also receive an invitation to a training camp in the big league, the person said on condition of anonymity because the contract cannot be finalized until medical tests are completed.
30-year-old Hamilton will be added to a busy outfield competition for the Indians, who have been trying to upgrade a problem area in recent seasons.
Cleveland last week signed former Minnesota slugger Eddie Rosario to an $ 8 million one-year contract, but he appears to be the only player to guarantee a starting place. Earlier on Thursday, the Indians and veteran Ben Gamel agreed to a minor league deal with a camp invite.
Hamilton has a .241 career in eight seasons, six of them with the Cincinnati Reds. He also played for Kansas City and Atlanta.
Hamilton would speed up the Indians. From 2014 to 2017, he stole at least 56 bases every season for the Reds.