The St. Louis Cardinals have officially released veteran utility player following an unproductive stretch with the team, according to the MLB.com transaction log.
Earlier this week, He was designated for assignment. After clearing waivers, the Cardinals chose to release him, making him a free agent.
It’s been a difficult 2025 campaign for Hampson, which began with the Arizona Diamondbacks after signing a minor league deal over the winter. He earned a spot on their Opening Day roster, appearing in 18 games and posting a 5-for-30 (.167) line with a .526 OPS.
Arizona designated him for assignment in May, and shortly after, he signed a major league deal with the Cincinnati Reds. His stint there was brief—just nine games—where he went 3-for-18 (.167) with a .433 OPS before being DFA’d again and later claimed by St. Louis.
With the Cardinals, Hampson appeared in 35 games, recording only 3 hits in 29 at-bats (.103) with a .271 OPS. Used primarily as a defensive substitute and pinch runner, he saw time at second, third, shortstop, and all three outfield spots—and even made a relief appearance on the mound.
Garrett Hampson Career
Garrett Hampson was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the third round of the 2016 MLB Draft and made his big-league debut with them in 2018. He spent the first five seasons of his career in Colorado, posting a .235 batting average with 26 home runs and a .665 OPS over 419 games.
Since 2022, he has moved between several clubs, including the Miami Marlins, Kansas City Royals, Arizona Diamondbacks, Cincinnati Reds, and St. Louis Cardinals. Across his eight-year career, Hampson has played in 692 games, recording a .235/.298/.353 slash line with 29 homers, 130 RBIs, 67 stolen bases, and a .651 OPS.
Versatile in the field, he has appeared at every position except catcher and is regarded as an above-average defender. Now a free agent, Hampson is free to sign with any team for the rest of the 2025 season, though he is ineligible for postseason play. At 30 years old, he’ll be aiming to join a club in need of defense and speed while trying to secure a contract for 2026.
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