The Shocking Roster Move: St. Louis Cardinals Drop Top Prospect Garrett Hampson After Just 35 Games
In a surprising turn of events, the St. Louis Cardinals have made a roster move that has left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. On Monday, the team announced that utility player Garrett Hampson, who was once considered a top prospect in the Colorado Rockies system, has been designated for assignment after only 35 games with the Cardinals.
This move, which many expected to be a mere formality, has raised questions about the team’s decision-making and the future of Hampson’s career. The 26-year-old player was acquired by the Cardinals in a trade with the Rockies in July, but has struggled to make an impact on the field since then.
The decision to drop Hampson from the roster was made in order to make room for the activation of Alec Burleson from the injured list, the call-up of left-hander Nick Raquet from Triple-A Memphis, and the optioning of right-hander Andre Granillo. While these moves may have been necessary for the team’s overall strategy, it is still a tough blow for Hampson and his fans.
Hampson, who was once considered a top prospect in the Rockies organization, had high hopes for his career with the Cardinals. However, his lackluster performance and inability to find his footing with the team ultimately led to this unexpected roster move.
As the Cardinals continue to make changes and adjustments to their roster, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Hampson and his career in the MLB. But one thing is for sure, this move has certainly caught the attention of baseball fans everywhere.
The St. Louis Cardinals Make Surprising Roster Move, Designate Garrett Hampson for Assignment
The St. Louis Cardinals shocked fans on Monday with a roster move that seemed more like a formality than a surprise. The team designated utility player Garrett Hampson for assignment after just 35 games with the club. Hampson, once a highly-touted prospect in the Colorado Rockies system, failed to make an impact in St. Louis.
The move was made to clear space for the activation of Alec Burleson from the injured list, the call-up of left-hander Nick Raquet from Triple-A Memphis, and the optioning of right-hander Andre Granillo. With a record of 72-72, the Cardinals are currently sitting at .500 and clinging to slim postseason hopes. However, their roster has been stretched thin and they rank 16th in MLB in runs scored and 21st in team ERA, indicating underperformance on both offense and the mound. The team’s defensive miscues and -40 run differential further highlight their struggles to find rhythm and consistency.
The decision to designate Hampson for assignment is just another misstep in a season filled with inconsistency and missed opportunities for the Cardinals. Originally claimed off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds in June, Hampson was brought in to provide depth during a wave of injuries. However, he only managed to hit .103 in 29 at-bats with one RBI and no extra-base hits. In his final 10 games, he went 0-for-12.
The move was confirmed by the Rotowire staff in an update on CBSSports.com. Hampson was once ranked as a Top 5 prospect in the Rockies system and was known for his plus speed and defensive versatility. He was given a future value (FV) grade of 50, projecting him as a solid long-term contributor in the major leagues.
Unfortunately, the Cardinals’ long list of injuries forced them to make tough decisions and Hampson’s role became expendable with the return of Burleson and the need to give younger players more opportunities. His release is a clear indication that the Cardinals are ready to move on from this season and focus on the future.
