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9 hours ago
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The St. Louis Cardinals are in the middle of a huge series against the Chicago Cubs. Sitting just 3.5 games behind the Cubs after taking game one of a four-game series, the Cardinals have a chance to make up significant ground on their rival for first place in the division.
During such a pivotal series, the Cardinals made an interesting roster move. The Cardinals announced on Twitter/X that they have claimed infielder/outfielder Garrett Hampson off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds, and have designated José Barrero for assignment in a corresponding move.
INF/OF Garrett Hampson has been claimed off waivers from Cincinnati. He will wear uniform no. 13.
INF/OF José Barrero has been designated for assignment. pic.twitter.com/uYK1gneH4J
In 2025, Hampson has been on two different teams. He began the year with the Arizona Diamondbacks and later found his way to the Reds. On both teams, he had the same batting average: .167.
Hampson is a versatile player who can play all over the field. He's primarily lining up at shortstop, second base, and center field, while also playing a little third base when needed.
He's a journeyman who's played on five teams in his MLB career across eight seasons. Now, his sixth team will be the Cardinals, where he'll project as a bench bat and defensive substitution for the team in the middle of a huge series against the Cubs.
Barrero, meanwhile, hit just .138 with the Cardinals in 2025. While Hampson is coming from the Reds, Barrero has previously been on the Reds. But, in Cincinnati, he wasn't very great. In his MLB career, Barrero has a negative 2.8 WAR. He leaves St. Louis after putting up negative 0.1 WAR and heads to waivers to land with his next team.
The Cardinals are exchanging veteran journeymen at the bottom of their roster, but with Hampson, they add a player with a lot more MLB experience as a valuable player. While Hampson won't get a lot of opportunities with the team, he projects to help round out a bench in need of more MLB-level talent.
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