St. Louis Cardinals Release Former Top Prospect
The St. Louis Cardinals have officially released veteran utility player Garrett Hampson after a difficult 2025 campaign.
Hampson was designated for assignment earlier this week and, after clearing waivers, elected free agency. The move closes another short-lived chapter for the versatile 30-year-old, who has now suited up for six MLB teams in eight seasons.
Hello from Milwaukee, where I come bearing crucial transaction news -- Cardinals released Garrett Hampson yesterday.
— Jeff Jones (@jmjones) September 12, 2025
Hampson began the year with the Arizona Diamondbacks, appearing in 18 games before being released in May. He then signed with the Cincinnati Reds, but his struggles at the plate continued, going just 3-for-18 before being waived again.
The Cardinals took a chance on him in late June, but Hampson hit only .103 with a .271 OPS across 35 games in St. Louis, primarily serving as a defensive replacement and pinch runner.
Hampson’s Rollercoaster Career
Originally drafted by the Colorado Rockies in 2016, Hampson spent five seasons in Denver and flashed speed and defensive versatility, appearing at every position except catcher.
He later bounced between the Miami Marlins, Kansas City Royals, and now three different teams in 2025 alone. Across 692 career games, Hampson owns a .235 batting average, 29 home runs, 130 RBI, and 67 stolen bases.
Garrett Hampson’s time with the @Cardinals has come to an end…
— Ryan (@The_Ryan_Shull) September 8, 2025
3 hits in 29 AB’s (.103 AVG)
0 HR / 1 RBI (.271 OPS) pic.twitter.com/gfbN0286z6
At just 30 years old, Hampson could still provide depth for a club in need of speed and glove work down the stretch, though he will not be postseason-eligible if signed.
Photo Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
