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Hamilton, DeSclafani drawing interest at WM
- Updated: December 5, 2016
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — The Reds came to the Winter Meetings looking to unclog their middle-infield depth with potential trades of Zack Cozart or Brandon Phillips. But Day 1 saw general manager Dick Williams fielding inquiries about some of their younger players.
That includes center fielder Billy Hamilton and starting pitcher Anthony DeSclafani. While it appears to be more listening mode than shopping those players, Williams made it clear that the Reds expect premium offers.
“Very high,” Williams said of his asking prices. “We have some good players.”
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Williams didn’t believe his team was any closer to getting a deal done than before the Winter Meetings.
Cincinnati has a unique speed threat with Hamilton, who is a dynamic presence on the bases and defensively. Teams, including the Rangers, have inquired about Hamilton, MLB.com has learned. According to a source, one reason that the Reds’ asking price is high is the front office believes the 26-year-old switch-hitter has yet to reach his ceiling.
Hamilton is arbitration-eligible for the first time this offseason, but he is not a drain on the team’s payroll. Besides being under club control for three more seasons, MLBTradeRumors.com projects his 2017 salary to be $2.3 million — which is affordable for small-market Cincinnati.
The Rangers have a center-field need with Ian Desmond now a free agent.
“We’ve been meeting with teams that have interest in our players. I’m not going to comment on specific teams and who they’re asking about,” Williams said. “It’s a continuation of what we’ve talked about …
