Reports: Reds CF Hamilton to become free agent

Cincinnati Reds center fielder Billy Hamilton will become a free agent after the team did not offer him a 2019 contract, according to multiple reports. Teams had until Friday to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players. According to MLB.com, the Reds sought to trade the 28-year-old Hamilton but couldn't find a trading partner. He made $4.6 million in 2018 and signed a one-year contract a year ago to avoid arbitration. Hamilton is known for his speed and defense but not his offense, which has been on the decline. In 2018, he batted .236 in 153 games and had four home runs, 29 RBIs and 74 runs scored. He had 34 stolen bases after four straight seasons of at least 56. He is a career .245 hitter. The team did not make a formal announcement about Hamilton's contract or those of other arbitration-eligible players. MLB.com said Cincinnati has five more players eligible for arbitration: second baseman Scooter Gennett, starting pitcher Anthony DeSclafani, reliever Michael Lorenzen, backup catcher Curt Casali and shortstop Jose Peraza (first year). --Field Level Media