SAD NEWS: David Hamilton Sent to Triple-A After Brutal Slump — What This Means for His Future in Boston
By Staff Writer | The Athletic-style report
BOSTON — There’s a cruel symmetry to baseball. One minute, you’re the breakout spark of a rebuilding year, a fan favorite flashing speed and promise. The next, you’re back on a bus to Worcester, packing hopes along with your glove.
That’s the story this week for David Hamilton, the once-rising infielder who captured Boston hearts in 2024, but now finds himself on the outside looking in. The Red Sox officially demoted Hamilton to Triple-A Worcester, citing continued struggles at the plate and the return of veteran Alex Bregman.
In 133 plate appearances this season, Hamilton has batted just .179 with a .229 OBP and a .276 slugging percentage. The spark plug speed is still there — but the contact, the rhythm, the confidence? All seem lost.
“He’s a great kid with talent,” manager Alex Cora said after the move. “But right now, we need production, and he knows that. This isn’t a punishment — it’s a reset.”
The Rise — and The Wall
Hamilton became a sensation late last season, offering a blend of hustle and range that made him a nightly highlight. His baserunning was electric, his defense raw but promising, and his swing just balanced enough to keep pitchers honest. Fans saw flashes of Dustin Pedroia. The front office, according to insiders, saw him as a possible long-term option at second base.
But the 2025 season hasn’t been kind.
Pitchers adjusted. The fastballs became tighter, the breaking balls sharper. Hamilton’s plate discipline faltered, and strikeouts mounted. He looked lost at times — and when his defensive miscues began to pile up, the front office’s patience ran thin.
Then came Bregman.
The veteran’s return from a quad injury forced a roster squeeze. In a decision that felt both inevitable and painful, Hamilton drew the short straw.
The Human Side
Sources inside the clubhouse say Hamilton took the news with grace — but not without emotion.
“He’s a competitor,” said one teammate. “He’s frustrated, but he’s not broken. He wants to earn it back the right way.”
Those around him note how hard he’s worked behind the scenes, spending extra hours in the cage and reviewing film. His attitude, even during slumps, has drawn praise from coaches. That’s what makes this demotion sting even more.
For Hamilton, who came into the season hoping to solidify a role, this setback is more than a roster move. It’s a test of identity.
What Happens Now?
The Red Sox are still invested in Hamilton — for now. Triple-A Worcester gives him a chance to rebuild confidence, sharpen mechanics, and hopefully, fight his way back up.
“He’s still young,” Cora said. “Plenty of road ahead.”
But this is Boston — and patience doesn’t last forever. With infield depth increasing and prospects emerging behind him, Hamilton will need more than effort. He’ll need results.
If he returns, it won’t be as the feel-good story of 2024. It’ll be because he earned it — with stats, grit, and something to prove.
A Familiar Tale
Hamilton’s journey isn’t unique. Baseball is littered with stars who flared fast and faded faster. The difference, often, is resilience.
Some return better than ever. Others disappear into the minors, their name a footnote in a roster shuffle.
Right now, David Hamilton has a choice. This demotion can be the end — or it can be his beginning.