Cincinnati Reds: Billy Hamilton MUST bunt to reach previous expectations

Billy Hamilton‘s speed is often discussed, but for the 27-year-old to ascend towards heralded expectations, he must commit to the art of bunting.

Rising through the minor leagues, Cincinnati Reds’ outfielder Billy Hamilton was known for his speed.

Hamilton ran into the MiLB record books when stealing 155 bases between High-A Bakersfield and Double-A Pensacola in 2012. The total broke Vince Coleman‘s mark of 145 stolen bases set in 1983.

Since his Southern League days, Hamilton has continued to showcase his speed. In each of his four full Major League seasons, the Mississippi native has swiped at least 56 stolen bases. Yet, one skill has evaded him throughout his time in the “Queen City” — the ability to get on base.

Hamilton owns an anemic .248 career batting average along with a .298 on-base percentage during his MLB career. The 27-year-old has never had a full season in which he has hit over .260 or walked 45 times. In fact, he currently holds the sixth-worst batting average by a lead-off hitter who started in his team’s 2017 season-opening game behind Kyle Schwarber, Alex Gordon, Rajai Davis, Ian Kinsler and Tyler Saladino. For a lead-off hitter with infinite speed, Hamilton’s struggles at the plate must be addressed this offseason for any chance of living up to his projected potential.

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In the minor leagues, Hamilton was a career .280 hitter and batted .323 in the hitter-friendly California League. While it is not beyond comprehension for a batting average to fall once reaching the bigs, a 32-point drop is insufferable.

Luckily, a familiar solution prevails to the everlasting problem.

To become an effective threat, Hamilton must bunt religiously, if not once a game. I understand this idea is not new; however, if strictly enforced by management, a positive change will result.

Take Miami’s Dee Gordon for example. Hamilton’s rival has attempted 30 or more bunt attempts in three of the last four seasons. As a result, Gordon has legged out a total of 59 additional hits while opening gaps around the infield.

Hamilton, with additional practice and focus, would be no different. Yes, he does utilize the technique — 142 bunt attempts (42 bunt hits) over 4 seasons speaks for itself — but not to the necessary extent.

One must recognize Hamilton, unlike Gordon, is a switch-hitter who constantly faces right-handed pitching from the left side. In 2016, Statcast registered Hamilton’s home-to-first (non-bunt) time as 3.61 seconds.

Thus, why WOULDN’T he regularly lay down bunts while batting left and allow his legs to do the work?

Once defenses begin to anticipate bunts from the left side, Hamilton can swing away and, furthermore, sneak a couple slow rollers down the third-base line when hitting right-handed. It’s a perfect threat.

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None of the specifics matter unless Hamilton, himself, makes a conscious effort, though. Since 2014, his number of bunt attempts have gradually lowered to 24 (from 52). Add the fact that he went to the 10-day disabled list due to a fractured left thumb, which was directly caused by a bunt attempt, and plenty of determinants lie against the small ball tactic.

But, that does not mean bunting more often should not be considered. After all, statistical trends indicate Hamilton will only be a .250 hitter in his career.

Why not try something new to improve?

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