Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen made his third trade in less than two years for a defense-first outfielder on Sunday, dealing righthanded prospect Jordan Humphreys to the Giants for Billy Hamilton.
Hamilton was with San Francisco on a minor-league deal. He joins Keon Broxton (cut after 49 at-bats last year) and Jake Marisnick (injured list) as light-hitting outfielders acquired for minor-leaguers under Van Wagenen. Hamilton also joins Marisnick, Juan Lagares and Johneshwy Fargas as fast, defensively inclined outfielders currently with the Mets.
In seven major-league seasons _ six with the Reds and last year with the Royals and Braves _ Hamilton has a track record of lots of steals (299) and poor hitting (.242/.297/.326). But his greatest asset is his defense.
