David Hamilton Stats & Scouting Report College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects

BA Grade: 40/Medium

Track Record: Though Hamilton blew out his Achilles tendon in a scooter accident after an excellent sophomore year at Texas, the Brewers bet on the return of his athleticism by making him a Day 2 pick and signing him for $400,000 in 2019. After Hamilton had a solid season for the Brewers’ High-A and Double-A affiliates in 2021, the Red Sox acquired him in a trade for Hunter Renfroe. In two years with the Red Sox, Hamilton has forged a reputation as one of the fastest players in the minors while improving his offense and defense. An excellent start to 2023 faded due to a left thumb injury that eventually required season-ending surgery.

Scouting Report: Previously a spray hitter with limited power, Hamilton showed improved bat speed after a weighted-bat program in 2023. He boosted his 90th percentile exit velocity to 102 mph--a mark that was suppressed by his thumb injury. While he generally makes contact when swinging at strikes and doesn’t chase excessively, he lacks barrel control, alternating stretches where he drives the ball with authority with showers of infield popups. Defensively, Hamilton’s explosive first step at both middle infield spots resulted in strong metrics despite an awkward throwing motion and light arm at short. Many evaluators believe he would thrive in center field thanks to elite speed, a trait that makes him a game-changer as a stolen base threat under MLB’s new rules.

The Future: Hamilton’s speed and defense ensure a big league role, and his bat now looks capable of making him at least a platoon option and potentially a bottom-of-the-order regular.

Scouting Grades Hit: 45 | Power: 40 | Run: 70 | Field: 55 | Arm: 45

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