The New York Yankees have designated pitcher Chase Hampton for assignment to create a roster spot for Aaron Judge. The move signals a significant downturn for Hampton, who was once considered a top-100 prospect in baseball.
Hampton, 25, was drafted by the Yankees in the sixth round of the 2022 MLB Draft. He rapidly ascended through the team's minor league system, earning top-100 prospect status entering the 2024 season. Baseball Prospectus ranked him 56th, Baseball America 72nd, and MLB Pipeline 92nd after he posted a 3.63 ERA over 20 starts in Single-A and Double-A in 2023.
His trajectory shifted in 2024 when he sustained a flexor strain during spring training. He managed only seven outings that season, recording a 2.89 ERA. The following year, 2025, saw another setback when he suffered a similar injury that led to Tommy John surgery. "He’s really talented and has got a chance to be a really good pitcher and this doesn’t stop that. This just puts a pause on it," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said last year. "But I think in his mind, dealing with some of the things he’s had to deal with over the last year-plus, I think there’s a little bit of, ‘Let’s get fixed and get back on the trail.’… Long road back, but doesn’t change what a talented guy he is."
Howerver, the "long road back" proved more challenging than anticipated. This season, Hampton posted an 8.18 ERA over 17 appearances. His struggles were particularly evident in Double-A, where he had a 9.84 ERA in 11 starts, allowing 48 hits and 28 walks in 35 ⅔ innings pitched.
These performance issues ultimately led the Yankees to conclude that Hampton no longer warranted a place on their 40-man roster, potentially marking an end to his tenure with the organization.