The St. Louis Cardinals officially released veteran utility man Garrett Hampson after an unsuccessful stint with the organization, per the MLB.com transaction log.
Hampson was designated for assignment by the Cardinals earlier this week. After clearing waivers, the Cardinals elected to release him to free agency.
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Hampson has had a trying 2025 season that began with the Arizona Diamondbacks after he signed a minor league deal with the club this winter.
He made the Opening Day roster and appeared in 18 games with the National League West squad, going 5-for-30 (.167) with an OPS of .526.
Hampson was then designated for assignment and released in May. Shortly thereafter, he signed a major league contract with the Cincinnati Reds.
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Hampson appeared in just nine games with Cincinnati, going 3-for-18 (.167) with an OPS of .433. He was then designated for assignment again and claimed off waivers by the Cardinals.
Hampson appeared in 35 games with the Cardinals this season, going 3-for-29 (.103) with an OPS of .271. He was mainly a defensive replacement and pinch runner, appearing all over the field at second base, third base, shortstop and all three outfield spots. He even made a pitching appearance.
Garrett Hampson Career
Hampson was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the third round of the 2016 MLB Draft.
He debuted with the Rockies in 2018 and spent the first five years of his career in Colorado, hitting .235 with 26 home runs and an OPS of .665 across 419 games.
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Hampson has bounced around since the 2022 season, spending time with the Miami Marlins, Kansas City Royals, Diamondbacks, Reds and Cardinals.
Overall, across eight-year career, Hampson has appeared in 692 games, slashing .235/.298/.353 with 29 home runs, 130 runs batted in, 67 stolen bases and an OPS of .651.
Hampson has appeared at every single position except catcher at the MLB level and is an above average defender.
While he’s free to sign with any team for the remainder of the 2025 season, he won’t be eligible for the postseason. At this point, he’ll be looking for a team to help him audition for a contract for the 2026 season as he looks to continue his career.
At just 30 years old, Hampson will hope to find a landing spot on a team that needs defensive help and speed.
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