Nationals cut ties with former Yankees pitching prospect

The Washington Nationals have cut ties with a former New York Yankees pitching prospect. 

According to an announcement from the NL East club, the Nationals have designated right-hander Chase Hampton for assignment. 

Hampton, 25, is a former top-100 prospect in baseball who missed the entire 2025 season while rehabbing from Tommy John Surgery. 

He did not make an appearance in the Majors or minors for the Nationals, who claimed him off waivers from the Yankees earlier this month. 

In 55 innings across three levels in New York's system, Hampton posted an ugly 8.18 ERA thanks to 13 homers allowed in 17 appearances. 

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Tommy John Surgery limited Hampton to just 18.2 innings last year, leaving him with just 180.1 innings of experience in minor league baseball. 

Washington can retain Hampton's rights if he clears waivers, but there's a chance he ends up a free agent if the organization does not have him in its plans. 

The Yankees selected Hampton in the sixth round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of Texas Tech. 

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