Former Cincinnati Reds outfielder Garrett Hampson was designated for assignment by the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday, marking another turn in what has been a journeyman career for the 29-year-old utility player. Hampson had struggled during his stint with the Cardinals, managing just a .103 batting average over 35 games, with a meager on-base percentage of .133 and a slugging percentage of .138. The move clears a roster spot for St. Louis as they retool heading into the final weeks of the season.
Earlier in the 2025 season, Hampson briefly played for Cincinnati, appearing in nine games before being let go. While with the Reds, he posted a .167/.211/.222 slash line, unable to establish consistency at the plate or make a significant impact off the bench. His time with Cincinnati was short-lived, but it reflected the team’s ongoing efforts to find versatile bench options amid injuries and fluctuating performance from their core roster.
Hampson has now played for six Major League teams over eight seasons. Known for his speed and defensive flexibility, he has filled in at multiple infield and outfield positions throughout his career. His most productive season came recently in 2023, when he was with the Miami Marlins. In 98 games that year, he slashed .276/.349/.380, added 16 extra-base hits, and stole five bases—numbers that showed promise but have since proved difficult to replicate.
The Reds, meanwhile, are still fighting to stay relevant in the playoff race. After hovering around the .500 mark for much of the year, they currently sit at 72–71. That record puts them four games behind the New York Mets for the final National League Wild Card spot. With fewer than 20 games remaining, every series has become a must-win for Cincinnati.
Looking ahead, the Reds open a crucial three-game series against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday night. Nick Lodolo is scheduled to start on the mound, and the team will be counting on him to deliver a strong outing. Lodolo has shown flashes of brilliance this season but has also battled inconsistency and health setbacks. His performance will be critical as the Reds try to stay within striking distance in the NL Wild Card race.
While Hampson’s designation doesn’t drastically affect the Reds directly, it highlights how transient roster spots can be for fringe players at this time of year. Teams are making quick adjustments, looking for any competitive edge as they approach the postseason or shift focus to evaluating young talent for next year. For Hampson, the hope is that another opportunity might arise, though his recent struggles will likely limit interest.
For Reds fans, all eyes are on the upcoming series and how the team’s young core responds under pressure. For more updates, interviews, and daily Reds coverage, bookmark Cincinnati Reds Talk and stay plugged into everything happening as the playoff race heats up.
