The St. Louis Cardinals have released veteran utility player Garrett Hampson following a tough stretch with the club, according to MLB.com’s transaction log. Hampson had been designated for assignment earlier in the week and, after going unclaimed on waivers, was granted free agency.
Hampson’s 2025 season has been a difficult one, marked by short stints with three different organizations. He began the year with the Arizona Diamondbacks, earning a spot on their Opening Day roster after signing a minor league deal in the winter. In 18 games with Arizona, he went just 5-for-30 (.167) with a .526 OPS before being DFA’d and released in May.
Shortly after, Hampson signed a major league deal with the Cincinnati Reds, but his struggles continued — he collected only 3 hits in 18 at-bats (.167) with a .433 OPS over nine games before being designated once again. The Cardinals then claimed him off waivers, where he appeared in 35 games, primarily as a defensive substitute and pinch runner. With St. Louis, he went just 3-for-29 (.103) with a .271 OPS, while seeing action across the infield, all three outfield positions, and even making a cameo on the mound.
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Garrett Hampson Career
Veteran Utilityman Garrett Hampson Released by Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals have released Garrett Hampson after a difficult 2025 campaign, per MLB.com. Hampson, 30, had been designated for assignment earlier this week and, after clearing waivers, became a free agent.
Drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the third round of the 2016 MLB Draft, Hampson made his MLB debut in 2018 and spent his first five seasons in Colorado, hitting .235 with 26 home runs and a .665 OPS across 419 games. Since 2022, he has bounced between teams including the Miami Marlins, Kansas City Royals, Arizona Diamondbacks, Cincinnati Reds, and Cardinals.
This season, Hampson struggled at the plate, going 5-for-30 (.167) with Arizona, 3-for-18 (.167) with Cincinnati, and 3-for-29 (.103) with St. Louis. He was primarily used as a defensive substitute and pinch runner, covering nearly every position except catcher, and even making a pitching appearance.
Over his eight-year career, Hampson has played in 692 games, slashing .235/.298/.353 with 29 home runs, 130 RBIs, 67 stolen bases, and a .651 OPS, earning a reputation as an above-average defender with speed. While he won’t be postseason-eligible in 2025, Hampson will now look for a team where he can audition for a 2026 contract and continue his MLB career.
At 30, teams in need of defensive versatility and speed may provide the right opportunity for him to stick in the majors.
