Cleveland Indians: Potential under-the-radar trades for the Tribe

Cleveland Indians bring speedster Billy Hamilton back to Ohio

At the plate, Billy Hamilton isn’t having the best year with a batting average below the weight of a Golden Retriever at .053. Despite his struggles with a bat in his hand, having a career average of .241, Hamilton could provide a huge value to any team making a playoff run.

Hamilton’s biggest value wouldn’t be in the playoffs, but leading up to them. With the current extra innings rule of placing a runner on second base, Hamilton could be the difference between wins and losses in extras.

Whether it be subbing Hamilton in to run at second or putting him at the plate to bunt the runner over, he could be a huge piece in making the push to the playoffs. Even in the playoffs he would provide a late inning pinch-running or reliable glove in the country if the team is leading.

On a one-year deal, Hamilton would be a rental for the Indians to use in a weird season. He could provide that run support with the new rule for this year and help stabilize the outfield situation in Cleveland. His playing style is similar to Delino DeShields, but he just isn’t has good at the plate. However, having his speed and defense could make up for that.

Will Benson is one of the lower ranked prospects on the team’s Top 30 according to MLB.com. Ranked 28th at 22 years old, Benson is a piece that could easily be moved.