CLEVELAND — (AP) A person familiar with the deal tells the Associated Press that free agent outfielder Billy Hamilton has agreed to a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians.
Hamilton, who spent 2020 with the Mets and Cubs, will also receive an invitation to training camp, said the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract can't be finalized until medical tests are completed. The 30-year-old will be added to the congested outfield competition for the Tribe, who is trying to upgrade a problem area over the past few seasons.
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Hamilton spent six of his eight major league seasons with Cincinnati, and has an impressive 305 stolen bases in his career (four seasons with at least 50). However, his struggles at the plate have prevented the 2014 runner-up for National League rookie of the year from becoming a star, and he sports an anemic lifetime OPS of just .621 (67 OPS+).
Cleveland will also give free agent Ben Gamel a shot to win one of their open outfield jobs, with both parties also agreeing to a minor league deal that was confirmed by the club Thursday afternoon. The 27-year-old has played 442 major league games for the Yankees, Mariners and Brewers, and boasts a career .261 batting average.
The two signings come a week after the Indians signed former Minnesota slugger Eddie Rosario to a one-year, $8 million contract. Rosario will get one of Cleveland's starting outfield spots, but the other two appear up for grabs.