Ian Francis Hamilton is an American professional baseball pitcher who has spent parts of six seasons in Major League Baseball with the Chicago White Sox, Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, and Atlanta Braves. Hamilton currently wears number 71 for the Atlanta Braves and specializes in relief pitching. He entered professional baseball after a standout college career at Washington State University and was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 2016. Hamilton is known for his resilience, having overcome significant injuries throughout his career including a serious facial injury in 2019 that required multiple surgeries and caused him to miss the remainder of that season.
Ian Hamilton Bio
Ian Francis Hamilton was born on June 16, 1995. He grew up in Vancouver, Washington, and attended Skyview High School in his hometown. Hamilton continued his baseball career at Washington State University, where he played for the Washington State Cougars from 2014 to 2016. During his college years, he served as the team's closer during his first two seasons before transitioning to a starting pitcher role as a junior. In 2015, Hamilton played collegiate summer baseball with the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod Baseball League, one of the premier summer leagues for college players. He earned West division co-most valuable player honors at the league's all-star game that summer, showcasing his talent against top collegiate competition.
Path to Professional Baseball
Hamilton's strong performances at Washington State and in the Cape Cod Baseball League drew attention from Major League Baseball scouts. The Chicago White Sox selected him in the 11th round of the 2016 MLB draft, recognizing his potential as both a closer and starting pitcher. His versatility proved valuable as he transitioned to professional baseball, where he would need to adapt to the demands of minor league schedules and the higher level of competition.
Ian Hamilton Career
Minor League Development (2016–2018)
After signing with the Chicago White Sox following the 2016 draft, Hamilton made his professional debut with the Arizona League White Sox. He appeared in just one game before being promoted to the Kannapolis Intimidators, where he finished the season with a 1-1 record and a 3.69 earned run average in 31 and two-thirds relief innings. The following season in 2017, Hamilton split time between the Winston-Salem Dash and Birmingham Barons. He combined for a 4-6 record with a 2.64 earned run average across 44 relief appearances, demonstrating consistency and durability in a setup role.
Chicago White Sox (2018, 2020)
Hamilton began the 2018 season with Birmingham before earning a promotion to the Triple-A Charlotte Knights. On August 31, 2018, the White Sox promoted him to the major leagues, where he made his MLB debut. The 2019 season presented significant challenges for Hamilton. He opened the year on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation stemming from a minor car accident. Upon returning, he was optioned to Charlotte when he suffered a frightening incident on June 4. While sitting in the Charlotte dugout, Hamilton was struck in the face by a batted ball. The impact knocked out three of his teeth and caused multiple facial fractures requiring several surgeries to repair. The White Sox announced on June 28, 2019, that Hamilton would miss the rest of the season to recover.
Hamilton returned to the mound in 2020 but his time with Chicago was cut short. The White Sox designated him for assignment on September 18, 2020. He was claimed off waivers by the Seattle Mariners on September 25 and later by the Philadelphia Phillies on December 7. The Phillies designated him for assignment again on January 29, 2021.
Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Guardians (2021–2022)
The Minnesota Twins claimed Hamilton off waivers on February 5, 2021. Just a week later, on February 12, they designated him for assignment after signing Alex Colomé. The Twins selected his contract from Triple-A on June 3, 2021, but returned him to St. Paul Saints on June 6. On August 2, 2022, the Twins traded Hamilton to the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for Sandy León. He spent the remainder of the season with the Triple-A Columbus Clippers but struggled, posting an 0-4 record with a 6.27 earned run average and 24 strikeouts across 18 and two-thirds innings in 15 appearances. Hamilton elected free agency following the season on November 10, 2022.
New York Yankees (2023–2025)
On February 3, 2023, Hamilton signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees organization. After being reassigned to the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders following spring training, Hamilton agreed to push his contract opt-out date to April 5. The Yankees selected his contract on April 3, adding him to their major league roster. He earned his first major league save on May 6, 2023. Hamilton opened the season with remarkable effectiveness, posting a 1.23 earned run average over 20 innings with 30 strikeouts against nine walks. However, he landed on the injured list on May 17 due to a strained right groin muscle. The Yankees transferred him to the 60-day injured list on August 26 and activated him on September 7.
Hamilton appeared in 35 relief appearances during the 2024 campaign, compiling a 0-1 record with a 3.82 earned run average, 41 strikeouts, and one save across 37 and two-thirds innings. In 2025, he made 36 appearances for New York, posting a 2-1 record with a 4.28 earned run average and 42 strikeouts over 40 innings. The Yankees non-tendered Hamilton on November 21, 2025, making him a free agent.
Atlanta Braves (2026–Present)
On December 19, 2025, Hamilton signed a one-year non-guaranteed contract with the Atlanta Braves. He began the 2026 season with the organization after being removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers on March 19. The Braves added Hamilton to their active roster on April 16. He made his Braves debut on April 21, pitching one inning in relief and allowing three earned runs. Atlanta designated him for assignment the following day. Hamilton cleared waivers and was sent outright to Gwinnett on April 24. On June 24, 2026, the Braves added Hamilton back to their active roster.
Ian Hamilton Career Wins
Throughout his MLB career spanning parts of six seasons, Ian Hamilton has compiled a career win-loss record of 6-6 with a 3.72 earned run average and 164 strikeouts. His career includes stints with the Chicago White Sox, Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, and Atlanta Braves. Hamilton has recorded three career saves, with his most recent major league appearance coming on June 24, 2026, with Atlanta.
New York Yankees Highlights
Hamilton's most sustained MLB success came with the New York Yankees from 2023 to 2025. In 2024, he appeared in 35 games out of the bullpen, posting a 3.82 earned run average with 41 strikeouts and converting one save. His 2025 season proved his most productive, as he logged a 2-1 record with a 4.28 earned run average and 42 strikeouts across 36 appearances. Hamilton earned his first major league save on May 6, 2023, against the Miami Marlins, a milestone that marked his establishment as a reliable bullpen option at the sport's highest level.
Other Highlights
Prior to his time in New York, Hamilton made his MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox on August 31, 2018. His 2017 minor league season saw him post a combined 2.64 earned run average across two levels, highlighting his potential as a future big league contributor. His Cape Cod Baseball League co-MVP performance in 2015 served as an early indicator of his ability to perform in high-pressure situations against elite competition.
Ian Hamilton Family
Ian Hamilton was born in Vancouver, Washington, on June 16, 1995, to his parents. He attended Skyview High School in Vancouver before advancing to Washington State University, where he became a notable player for the Washington State Cougars baseball program. Hamilton's path from the Pacific Northwest through college baseball and into professional baseball represents a journey rooted in his family background and community ties to the Vancouver area.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented one of Hamilton's most consistent MLB campaigns. He appeared in 36 games for the New York Yankees, compiling a 2-1 record with a 4.28 earned run average and 42 strikeouts over 40 innings of work. His durability and reliability out of the bullpen helped stabilize a Yankees relief corps that dealt with various injuries throughout the season. The right-hander showcased his ability to log multiple innings when needed and maintained his effectiveness across different game situations.
Hamilton's performance throughout 2025 earned him a roster spot for the entire season, though the Yankees ultimately chose not to tender him a contract following the campaign's conclusion. On November 21, 2025, New York non-tendered Hamilton, making him a free agent. The decision opened a new chapter in his career, and he signed with the Atlanta Braves on December 19, 2025. The Braves valued Hamilton's major league experience and ability to pitch in various roles, signing him to a one-year non-guaranteed deal that gave him an opportunity to compete for a bullpen spot in spring training. At 30 years old entering 2026, Hamilton continues his professional baseball career seeking to establish himself as a consistent contributor at the sport's highest level.