Yankees release standout hitter with a career .894 OPS at Triple-A

Sometimes, hitters don't quite break through at the MLB level.

The New York Yankees just released one of those, a guy who had an .894 OPS in his Triple-A career but battled injuries and effectiveness issues that never allowed him to break through all the way at the highest level.

The news, reported by The Athletic's Brendan Kuty, is that the Yanks cut ties with Cooper Hummel on Saturday.

Kuty wrote, "Source: Utility man Cooper Hummel is now a free agent. Hummel, 30, signed a minor league deal with Yankees in April but played just 10 games around an IL stint. Triggered release clause a few days ago. Switch-hitter has a career .894 OPS at Triple A."

Hummel has taken a winding baseball journey. A native of Portland, Oregon, he attended the University of Portland before being taken in the 18th round in 2018 by the Brewers.

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He never made it to the majors with Milwaukee, though.

Hummel's MLB debut came in 2022 with the Diamondbacks. He hit eight doubles, three triples and three home runs but batted just .176.

In 2023, he went 2-for-23 in a short stint with the Mariners.

And in 2024, Hummel was 0-for-8 in a shorter stint with the Astros.

Hummel's Triple-A stats are another story entirely. 

In 340 games at the level just below the big leagues, he has batted .284/.419/.475 with 83 doubles, 16 triples, 36 homers and 49 steals.

Hummel still might have the talent to break through in the bigs if given a chance. 

It probably hurts his cause that he hasn't caught since 2023 and has spent most of his time in corner outfield spots.

But that's what injuries and aging will do.

At this point, Hummel's MLB ticket may have left without him, which is too bad, because he'd gone from off the college radar to possessing some of the best baseball talent in the world, relative to everyone but MLB players.

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