Billy Hamilton batted only .247 with four homers and a .634 OPS last season, yet he still is the Cincinnati Reds player generating the most interest in trade discussions, according to major league sources.



Due to his defense and base-running, Hamilton still rates as a net positive according to Fangraphs’ version of Wins Above Replacement (fWAR). He also is only 27, raising the possibility he still might have offensive upside.



So, will the Reds trade him? Teams will deal any player for the right offer, but the Reds are in no particular rush to move Hamilton, whom MLBTradeRumors.com projects to earn $5 million this season in the second of his three years of arbitration



If no suitor offers what the Reds deem appropriate value, they can keep Hamilton in center to steal outs for their young pitching staff, then entertain offers again at the non-waiver deadline, when teams still could secure him for two pennant races before he reaches free...