The Cincinnati Reds did not tender outfielder Billy Hamilton a contract ahead of Friday's 8 p.m. ET deadline, according to the Associated Press.
Cincinnati explored the possibility of trading the speedy outfielder, but no teams were interested in a deal, reports MLB.com's Mark Sheldon.
The 28-year-old has long displayed elite speed in the outfield and on the basepaths, tallying 277 stolen bases in 690 games across parts of six seasons. His inability to reach base with consistency (career .298 OBP) has prevented him from maximizing that talent.
With Hamilton becoming a free agent, the Reds' outfield projects to include Scott Schebler, Jesse Winker, and Phillip Ervin barring another offseason move.
Top hitting prospect Nick Senzel, drafted as a third baseman, could make the move to the outfield to expedite his arrival, and he's spent time learning the position, according to Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
