Former Yankees top prospect Chase Hampton DFA’d by Nationals after second chance

Chase Hampton’s time with the Nationals is likely coming to an end after the team designated the pitcher for assignment, Washington announced Saturday.

The right-hander spent a couple of weeks with the organization but never took the mound. The DFA of Hampton and the optioning of pitcher Luis Perales to Triple-A opened a roster spot for lefty Connelly Early, who is set to be activated off the 60-day injured list.

The move comes just weeks after the Yankees cut ties with Hampton.

The former Yankees prospect and 2022 sixth-round pick finishes this season with an 8.18 ERA over 55 innings across three levels of the minor leagues.

New York Yankees pitcher Chase Hampton poses for a photo at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Hampton was a top-100 prospect on MLB Pipeline’s list in 2024. The year prior, during his first full professional season, he posted a 3.63 ERA in 20 starts at High-A and Double-A, striking out 145 and walking 37 over 106 2/3 innings.

But the 25-year-old has dealt with a series of injuries early in his career.

He was limited to 18 2/3 innings in 2024, and the following season, Tommy John surgery sidelined him for more than a full year.

After returning this season with the Yankees’ Single-A affiliate in Tampa, Hampton struggled — in both A-ball and Double-A — to match his earlier results.

New York Yankees pitcher Chase Hampton throws in the outfield during a workout at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida, Saturday, February 14, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Hampton’s ERA climbed as he gave up 13 home runs in 55 innings. In the Yankees’ system, he also posted a 12.9 percent walk rate against a 21.3 percent strikeout rate.

The Bombers designated Hampton for assignment earlier in September, and Washington claimed him off waivers.