Twins Bring In 10-Year Veteran OF To Replace Buxton

With the latest trip to the IL for outfielder Byron Buxton, the Minnesota Twins have reached into the free agent pool to land a temporary replacement. 

The #MNTwins signed OF Billy Hamilton to a Minor League deal today. He'll initially be assigned to the FCL, down at the club's complex in Fort Myers.

— Do-Hyoung Park (@dohyoungpark) August 25, 2022

10-year veteran speedster Billy Hamilton has agreed to a minor league deal, and has been assigned, for now, to the Twins' Fort Myers complex. 

Hamilton compiled just 13 at-bats in his month-and-a-half with the Miami Marlins, but still stole 7 bases, until his release on Aug. 11th. The 31-year-old has 321 stolen bases in his decade in the majors, including four straight seasons of 55+ steals, from 2014-2017. He was the runner-up for NL Rookie of the Year with the Cincinnati Reds at the beginning of that run.

Welcome Billy Hamilton & your 321 stolen bases to the #MNTwins organization! His career success rate for steals is 82%. pic.twitter.com/YAvyP9LkH5

— Jeff (@MNTwinsZealot) August 25, 2022

At this point, he's best used as a pinch-runner and a defensive replacement. 

The Twins have five outfielders on the injured list, including Buxton, Kyle Garlick, Trevor Larnach, Alex Kirilloff, and SS/OF Royce Lewis (though Garlick may return in days).

Hamilton will offer some depth behind Max Kepler, Nick Gordon and Jake Cave until Buxton returns.

Photos: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports, Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports