David Hamilton has been an 'ignitor' at the top of the lineup for the Portland Sea Dogs
When the Red Sox acquired prospect David Hamilton in the Hunter Renfroe trade, he was know for having blazing fast speed. That speed has been showcased with the Portland Sea Dogs to begin the young season.
In 13 games, the 24-year-old has swiped 10 stolen bases. When Hamilton gets on base, it’s almost a guarantee he will be stealing a bag.
Over the course of his young professional baseball career, he has swiped 62 bases in 114 games. His elite speed on the base paths is something the Red Sox have not had in their minor league system in a very long time.
“He’s electric with his feet. It’s amazing how explosive he is with his slides,” said Sea Dogs Manager Chad Epperson of Hamilton for an interview with the Press Herald. “I joke with him a lot, I’ve seen maybe one above average jump. He even admits he doesn’t have the best jump. When he gets going and gets his timing with that, he’s going to be a huge playmaker. He’s just an ignitor for us at the top of the lineup.”
Hamilton is currently ranked as the No. 26 prospect in the Red Sox system according to SoxProspects.
The athletic Hamilton not only has incredible speed but has flashed some power at the plate too. He has slugged three home runs in 49 at-bats this season. He has already had a huge game earlier this season going 4-for-5 with a triple, two home runs, three runs scored, seven RBIs, and a theft on the base paths.
The slight power he harasses is an added bonus, however, his speed is what will catapult him within the Red Sox system. Even though he has slugged three homers, his offensive game is better suited to go gap-to-gap rather than mashing the ball out of the park.
His incredible speed is something Red Sox fans should be excited about as he continues to elevate through the system.
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