David Hamilton DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Boston Red Sox infielder David Hamilton, who was considered the front-runner for the starting second base job earlier in spring training, now appears to have lost out on the job to prospect Kristian Campbell, who is making his second straight start at the keystone in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays. "We have a pretty good idea of what we're going to do (at second). We just have to be patient," manager Alex Cora said Friday. Campbell, Hamilton and Vaughn Grissom had been competing at second in camp, with Grissom being optioned to Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday. It's expected that Hamilton will make the roster as a utility infielder if he loses out to Campbell. "There's a pretty good chance he's going to be on the team," Cora said of Hamilton. In AL-only leagues, Hamilton may be worth stashing for his speed.

The Boston Red Sox have yet to make any decision on a starter at second base in camp, but The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey writes that it seems like David Hamilton has a strong case for the starting job. Although Alex Cora said it's still an open competition among Hamilton, Vaughn Grissom and prospect Kristian Campbell, the skipper has spoken highly of Hamilton, particularly on defense. The 27-year-old's glove plays, but he also stole 33 bases in 98 games in 2024 and had 70 steals in 119 games in 2022 at Double-A. Campbell was initially seen as the front-runner, but he's a work in progress on defense and has gone 5-for-33 at the plate with 13 strikeouts. Hamilton has hit .250 with three doubles and two homers in spring training. Grissom is 6-for-32 (.188) with two doubles in 12 games and hasn't separated himself like Hamilton. Fantasy managers in AL-only and deep-mixed leagues could target Hamilton for his speed.

Boston Red Sox middle infielder David Hamilton (finger) carved out a nice little role off the bench for the BoSox last year against right-handed pitchers, but his season ended early due to a broken index finger. Hamilton is a full-go with spring training right around the corner in 2025 and will be looking to carve out a utility role this year. In addition to being a utility infielder, manager Alex Cora said in January that the 27-year-old could occasionally play in the outfield. Hamilton has only played second base or shortstop in the big leagues, but he did appear in center field eight times in the minors. He has very little power, but Hamilton did finish second on the team in 2024 with 33 stolen bases in 98 games. He's not going to be a regular, but Hamilton's speed could be useful for fantasy managers in AL-only leagues.