The Atlanta Braves have continued to shuffle through an incredibly long list of players in the 2025 season. This has included some former players attempting to breathe life back into their careers, including Eddie Rosario, Craig Kimbrel, and Jessie Chavez. Atlanta's level of desperation due to injuries and lack of depth has led to a number of surprise additions. However, it isn't just Atlanta giving former Braves an opportunity with a surprise headline emerging over the weekend.
Former Braves outfielder Billy Hamilton has gotten a second chance to revive his career, signing a deal with the Chicago Cubs, according to MLB Trade Rumors' Mark Polishuk. The veteran outfielder has spent 2024 with two clubs in the Mexican League, making it appear like his MLB career had reached an end. A 35-year-old vet with a limited offensive upside isn't exactly in high demand, making the signing a bit of a surprise.
Former Braves OF Billy Hamilton Finds Surprise Landing Spot in Chicago
Hamilton spent a portion of the 2019 season with Atlanta, just as the Braves began to make a serious push as contenders. The most memorable years of the speedster's career came with the Cincinnati Reds, where he burst onto the scene, utilizing his speed to become a popular figure in Cincy and a fun watch for all baseball fans. However, the story of his career continued to be an inability to utilize his speed consistently due to struggles at the plate.
This led to a journey throughout the league, spending time with the Reds, Kansas City Royals, Braves, New York Mets, Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Miami Marlins, and Minnesota Twins. Now, Hamilton has returned to the Cubs on a minor-league deal in an attempt to get his career back on track. It will be interesting to watch if the former Brave can earn a promotion in the final weeks of the season.
For Atlanta, it makes sense that the organization wasn't interested in attempting a reunion, even with the current limited depth. Ronald Acuna Jr., Jurickson Profar, and Michael Harris have given the Braves an elite starting trio that is backed up by a resurgent Jake Fraley and defensive-minded Eli White. Outfield is arguably the one position the Braves have put together a contending group for.
Hamilton simply wouldn't have a path onto the Braves' active roster, and wouldn't make sense as a minor-league addition. With the Cubs, there is at least a chance Hamilton can fight for the final bench spot and make an appearance at the end of the season.
Even if this doesn't happen, the ex-Brave is fighting for his future in the league, attempting to breathe life into the end of this season and his 2026 career hopes. A strong finish in Chicago's minor league system is likely enough to garner another chance and land a deal next season.