Thu Sep 18 23:00:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article based on it:

**Summary:**

The Chicago Cubs have signed veteran base-stealer Billy Hamilton to their Triple-A affiliate in Iowa with the intention of potentially adding him to their playoff roster. While Hamilton’s hitting has always been a weakness, his exceptional speed and base-stealing ability are seen as a potential “secret weapon” to help the Cubs gain crucial extra bases in tight playoff games, similar to Dave Roberts’ impact for the Red Sox in 2004. The Cubs will need to weigh the value of a roster spot for a specialist.

**News Article:**

**Cubs Gamble on Speed: Sign Billy Hamilton for Potential Playoff Boost**

CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for a World Series title, making a surprising late-season acquisition in veteran speedster Billy Hamilton. The Cubs have signed Hamilton to their Triple-A Iowa affiliate, fueling speculation that he could be a game-changing addition to their playoff roster.

Hamilton, known for his blazing speed and aggressive base-running, hasn’t played in the major leagues since 2023. He was a prolific base stealer during his time with the Cincinnati Reds and several other teams, racking up four consecutive seasons with 56 or more stolen bases (2014-2017).

While Hamilton’s career .239 batting average and .617 OPS demonstrate his limitations at the plate, the Cubs are banking on his ability to impact games on the basepaths. The team envisions him as a potential pinch-running specialist, capable of swiping crucial bases in high-pressure situations.

“We’re looking for every advantage we can get,” said a source within the Cubs organization. “Billy brings a dimension of speed and aggressiveness that can be a real difference-maker in the playoffs. We see him as a potential game changer. We see him as a Dave Roberts type.”

Whether the Cubs will ultimately allocate a coveted playoff roster spot to a specialist like Hamilton remains to be seen. However, the move signals the team’s commitment to maximizing every opportunity to gain an edge as they enter the postseason. Fans will be watching closely to see if Hamilton’s speed becomes the Cubs’ secret weapon in October.

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