| AB | 92 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .228 |
| OBP | .324 |
| SLG | .250 |
| HR | 0 |
- Full name David Lewis Hamilton
- Born 09/29/1997 in San Marcos, TX
- Profile Ht.: 5'10" / Wt.: 175 / Bats: L / Throws: R
- School Texas
- Debut 06/21/2023
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Drafted in the 8th round (253rd overall) by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2019 (signed for $400,000).
View Draft Report
After making it to Omaha in 2018, Texas slipped back to 27-27 in 2019. One of the big reasons was the Longhorns missed Hamilton, who missed the entire season with a ruptured Achilles tendon. Hamilton’s injury obviously makes it difficult for teams to fully evaluate him, as his athleticism and speed were his best attributes. Hamilton is a lefthanded hitter who focuses on making plenty of contact while using his plus speed. Pre-injury Hamilton had a quick first step and the hands to stay at shortstop. Hamilton was overmatched as a hitter as a freshman and even with improvement as a sophomore, his lack of power is a concern in pro ball, and Hamilton didn’t get to allay those concerns as a junior. He could use a medical redshirt year and retain two years of eligibility if he doesn’t like where he goes in the draft.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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BA Grade: 40/Medium
Track Record: Though Hamilton blew out his Achilles tendon in a scooter accident after an excellent sophomore year at Texas, the Brewers bet on the return of his athleticism by making him a Day 2 pick and signing him for $400,000 in 2019. After Hamilton had a solid season for the Brewers’ High-A and Double-A affiliates in 2021, the Red Sox acquired him in a trade for Hunter Renfroe. In two years with the Red Sox, Hamilton has forged a reputation as one of the fastest players in the minors while improving his offense and defense. An excellent start to 2023 faded due to a left thumb injury that eventually required season-ending surgery.
Scouting Report: Previously a spray hitter with limited power, Hamilton showed improved bat speed after a weighted-bat program in 2023. He boosted his 90th percentile exit velocity to 102 mph--a mark that was suppressed by his thumb injury. While he generally makes contact when swinging at strikes and doesn’t chase excessively, he lacks barrel control, alternating stretches where he drives the ball with authority with showers of infield popups. Defensively, Hamilton’s explosive first step at both middle infield spots resulted in strong metrics despite an awkward throwing motion and light arm at short. Many evaluators believe he would thrive in center field thanks to elite speed, a trait that makes him a game-changer as a stolen base threat under MLB’s new rules.
The Future: Hamilton’s speed and defense ensure a big league role, and his bat now looks capable of making him at least a platoon option and potentially a bottom-of-the-order regular.
Scouting Grades Hit: 45 | Power: 40 | Run: 70 | Field: 55 | Arm: 45 -
Track Record: Hamilton’s defense and on-base skills impressed as a sophomore at Texas, but a torn Achilles created concern that his exceptional speed might be diminished. The Brewers took him in the eighth round and signed him for $400,000. With the 2020 minor league season canceled, he played in an independent league, going 20-for-20 in steals. The Red Sox acquired him with Alex Binelas after the season in a trade sending Hunter Renfroe to Milwaukee.
Scouting Report: Hamilton has standout speed and timing, helping him both as a basestealer and giving him good lateral range in the middle infield. He has advanced pitch recognition and a good sense of the strike zone with strength in his swing, but he sometimes gets in trouble making hollow contact while trying to elevate the ball. He’s at his best drilling firm liners to the gaps, something he did a lot against righties but not so much against southpaws. He has the lateral range for short but a fringy arm.
The Future: Hamilton’s contact, speed and defense offer an old-school top-of-the-order skill set, while likely making him a valued part-timer against righties now.
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TRACK RECORD: Hamilton had a standout sophomore year at Texas and but he ruptured his Achilles tendon and missed his entire junior year. The Brewers still took him in the eighth round and signed him for an above-slot $400,000. Hamilton returned to the field in 2020 and played in the independent Constellation Energy League, where he hit .296/.430/.370 and went 20-for-20 on stolen bases in 27 games. He reported to instructional league and drew attention as a top offensive performer.
SCOUTING REPORT: Hamilton is 22, so he was one of the older players at instructs, but the quality of his at-bats was impressive. He has a sound lefthanded stroke, uses his hands well at the plate and consistently barrels balls while showing a good eye for the strike zone. He doesn't have a ton of home run power, but he's a sound hitter with a good approach. Hamilton is a good athlete and a plus runner. He showed a solid-average arm and played steady defense at both middle-infield positions during instructs.
THE FUTURE: Hamilton is advanced enough that he could jump to high Class A for his pro debut. He has a chance for a breakout season now that he's healthy.
Draft Prospects
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After making it to Omaha in 2018, Texas slipped back to 27-27 in 2019. One of the big reasons was the Longhorns missed Hamilton, who missed the entire season with a ruptured Achilles tendon. Hamilton's injury obviously makes it difficult for teams to fully evaluate him, as his athleticism and speed were his best attributes. Hamilton is a lefthanded hitter who focuses on making plenty of contact while using his plus speed. Pre-injury Hamilton had a quick first step and the hands to stay at shortstop. Hamilton was overmatched as a hitter as a freshman and even with improvement as a sophomore, his lack of power is a concern in pro ball, and Hamilton didn't get to allay those concerns as a junior. He could use a medical redshirt year and retain two years of eligibility if he doesn't like where he goes in the draft. -
One of the fastest players in this year's draft class, Hamilton was also the star quarterback at San Marcos High. He rushed for 2,000 yards as a junior and threw for another 1,000. His senior season on the football field was marred by a broken collarbone, but he recovered in time to return to the baseball diamond this spring and once again showed his athleticism and excellent hand-eye coordination. The Texas signee is a plus-plus runner (6.5 seconds in the 60-yard dash) who puts the ball in play with a contact-oriented approach and a simple, repeatable swing. There are questions about whether the slight but wiry strong Hamilton will hit for power with a wood bat, but he should spray lots of lines drives and use his speed as a potentially above-average lefthanded hitter. Defensively Hamilton has the quick-twitch, first-step quickness and soft hands required to play shortstop, but his arm is stretched at the position--he generally slings throws from a lower slot without exceptional carry.
Scouting Reports
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Track Record: Hamilton’s defense and on-base skills impressed as a sophomore at Texas, but a torn Achilles created concern that his exceptional speed might be diminished. The Brewers took him in the eighth round and signed him for $400,000. With the 2020 minor league season canceled, he played in an independent league, going 20-for-20 in steals. The Red Sox acquired him with Alex Binelas after the season in a trade sending Hunter Renfroe to Milwaukee.
Scouting Report: Hamilton has standout speed and timing, helping him both as a basestealer and giving him good lateral range in the middle infield. He has advanced pitch recognition and a good sense of the strike zone with strength in his swing, but he sometimes gets in trouble making hollow contact while trying to elevate the ball. He’s at his best drilling firm liners to the gaps, something he did a lot against righties but not so much against southpaws. He has the lateral range for short but a fringy arm.
The Future: Hamilton’s contact, speed and defense offer an old-school top-of-the-order skill set, while likely making him a valued part-timer against righties now.
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TRACK RECORD: Hamilton had a standout sophomore year at Texas and but he ruptured his Achilles tendon and missed his entire junior year. The Brewers still took him in the eighth round and signed him for an above-slot $400,000. Hamilton returned to the field in 2020 and played in the independent Constellation Energy League, where he hit .296/.430/.370 and went 20-for-20 on stolen bases in 27 games. He reported to instructional league and drew attention as a top offensive performer.
SCOUTING REPORT: Hamilton is 22, so he was one of the older players at instructs, but the quality of his at-bats was impressive. He has a sound lefthanded stroke, uses his hands well at the plate and consistently barrels balls while showing a good eye for the strike zone. He doesn't have a ton of home run power, but he's a sound hitter with a good approach. Hamilton is a good athlete and a plus runner. He showed a solid-average arm and played steady defense at both middle-infield positions during instructs.
THE FUTURE: Hamilton is advanced enough that he could jump to high Class A for his pro debut. He has a chance for a breakout season now that he's healthy. -
TRACK RECORD: Hamilton had a standout sophomore year at Texas and but he ruptured his Achilles tendon and missed his entire junior year. The Brewers still took him in the eighth round and signed him for an above-slot $400,000. Hamilton returned to the field in 2020 and played in the independent Constellation Energy League, where he hit .296/.430/.370 and went 20-for-20 on stolen bases in 27 games. He reported to instructional league and drew attention as a top offensive performer.
SCOUTING REPORT: Hamilton is 22, so he was one of the older players at instructs, but the quality of his at-bats was impressive. He has a sound lefthanded stroke, uses his hands well at the plate and consistently barrels balls while showing a good eye for the strike zone. He doesn't have a ton of home run power, but he's a sound hitter with a good approach. Hamilton is a good athlete and a plus runner. He showed a solid-average arm and played steady defense at both middle-infield positions during instructs.
THE FUTURE: Hamilton is advanced enough that he could jump to high Class A for his pro debut. He has a chance for a breakout season now that he's healthy. -
TRACK RECORD: Hamilton had a standout sophomore year at Texas and but he ruptured his Achilles tendon and missed his entire junior year. The Brewers still took him in the eighth round and signed him for an above-slot $400,000. Hamilton returned to the field in 2020 and played in the independent Constellation Energy League, where he hit .296/.430/.370 and went 20-for-20 on stolen bases in 27 games. He reported to instructional league and drew attention as a top offensive performer.
SCOUTING REPORT: Hamilton is 22, so he was one of the older players at instructs, but the quality of his at-bats was impressive. He has a sound lefthanded stroke, uses his hands well at the plate and consistently barrels balls while showing a good eye for the strike zone. He doesn't have a ton of home run power, but he's a sound hitter with a good approach. Hamilton is a good athlete and a plus runner. He showed a solid-average arm and played steady defense at both middle-infield positions during instructs.
THE FUTURE: Hamilton is advanced enough that he could jump to high Class A for his pro debut. He has a chance for a breakout season now that he's healthy. -
After making it to Omaha in 2018, Texas slipped back to 27-27 in 2019. One of the big reasons was the Longhorns missed Hamilton, who missed the entire season with a ruptured Achilles tendon. Hamilton's injury obviously makes it difficult for teams to fully evaluate him, as his athleticism and speed were his best attributes. Hamilton is a lefthanded hitter who focuses on making plenty of contact while using his plus speed. Pre-injury Hamilton had a quick first step and the hands to stay at shortstop. Hamilton was overmatched as a hitter as a freshman and even with improvement as a sophomore, his lack of power is a concern in pro ball, and Hamilton didn't get to allay those concerns as a junior. He could use a medical redshirt year and retain two years of eligibility if he doesn't like where he goes in the draft.
Career Transactions
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2B David Hamilton changed number to 6.
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2B David Hamilton changed number to 42.
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Boston Red Sox traded LHP Kyle Harrison, LHP Shane Drohan and 2B David Hamilton to Milwaukee Brewers for 3B Caleb Durbin, SS Andruw Monasterio, 2B Anthony Seigler and Future Considerations.
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Boston Red Sox recalled 2B David Hamilton from Worcester Red Sox.
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Boston Red Sox optioned 2B David Hamilton to Worcester Red Sox.
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Boston Red Sox recalled 2B David Hamilton from Worcester Red Sox.
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Worcester Red Sox activated 2B David Hamilton.
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2B David Hamilton roster status changed by Worcester Red Sox.
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Boston Red Sox optioned 2B David Hamilton to Worcester Red Sox.
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SS David Hamilton changed number to 17.
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SS David Hamilton changed number to 42.
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SS David Hamilton changed number to 17.
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Boston Red Sox activated SS David Hamilton from the 10-day injured list.
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Boston Red Sox placed SS David Hamilton on the 10-day injured list. Left index finger fracture.
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Boston Red Sox recalled SS David Hamilton from Worcester Red Sox.
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Boston Red Sox optioned SS David Hamilton to Worcester Red Sox.
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Boston Red Sox recalled SS David Hamilton from Worcester Red Sox.
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Worcester Red Sox placed SS David Hamilton on the 7-day injured list. Thumb sprain.
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Worcester Red Sox activated SS David Hamilton.
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Boston Red Sox optioned SS David Hamilton to Worcester Red Sox.
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Boston Red Sox recalled SS David Hamilton from Worcester Red Sox.
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Boston Red Sox recalled SS David Hamilton from Worcester Red Sox.
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Worcester Red Sox activated SS David Hamilton.
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Worcester Red Sox activated SS David Hamilton.
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Worcester Red Sox activated SS David Hamilton.
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Boston Red Sox optioned SS David Hamilton to Worcester Red Sox.
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Boston Red Sox optioned SS David Hamilton to Worcester Red Sox.
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Boston Red Sox recalled SS David Hamilton from Worcester Red Sox.
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Boston Red Sox recalled SS David Hamilton from Worcester Red Sox.
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Worcester Red Sox activated SS David Hamilton from the 7-day injured list.
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Worcester Red Sox placed SS David Hamilton on the 7-day injured list. Left thumb sprain.
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Boston Red Sox optioned SS David Hamilton and to Worcester Red Sox.
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Boston Red Sox selected the contract of SS David Hamilton from Portland Sea Dogs.
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SS David Hamilton assigned to Portland Sea Dogs.
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SS David Hamilton roster status changed by Boston Red Sox.
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Boston Red Sox invited non-roster SS David Hamilton to spring training.
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Greenville Drive activated SS David Hamilton.
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SS David Hamilton assigned to Salt River Rafters.
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SS David Hamilton assigned to Biloxi Shuckers from Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.
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SS David Hamilton assigned to Wisconsin Timber Rattlers from Carolina Mudcats.
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SS David Hamilton assigned to Carolina Mudcats.
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SS David Hamilton assigned to Carolina Mudcats.
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SS David Hamilton assigned to Milwaukee Brewers.
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SS David Hamilton assigned to Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.
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SS David Hamilton assigned to Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.
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Milwaukee Brewers signed SS David Hamilton.
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Milwaukee Brewers traded CF Jackie Bradley Jr., SS David Hamilton and 3B Alex Binelas to Boston Red Sox for RF Hunter Renfroe.