The Arizona Diamondbacks have reportedly come to terms on a one-year deal with free agent utilityman Garrett Hampson. Mike Stefansson of Nevada Sports Net reports that the one-year deal is a minor league contract and includes an invite to major league spring training. The 30-year-old utilityman joins the Diamondbacks organization after batting .230/.275/.300 over 113 games for the Kansas City Royals last season.
Reno High grad Garrett Hampson has signed a minor league deal with the Diamondbacks, with an invite to Spring Training. We could very well see the Husky suiting up for the @Aces.
— Mike Stefansson (@MikeStefansson) January 31, 2025
Diamondbacks Sign Free Agent Utilityman Garrett Hampson to Minors Deal
A third-round draft pick by the Colorado Rockies in 2016, Hampson made his MLB debut two years later. In his first full season in the majors, he batted .247/.302/.385 with 15 stolen bases and had the fastest sprint speed of all major league second basemen. Hampson was non-tendered and entered free agency in 2022 after spending five seasons with the Rockies. He signed a minor league deal with the Marlins where he posted a career-best .276/.349/.380 in 98 games. His career-high year earned him a one-year contract worth $2 million with the Royals last season.
While his offensive stats have generally been modest, his impact on the basepaths and in the field remains significant. Hampson has ranked in the top 1% in sprint speed in five of his seven seasons in the majors. His speed has made him a consistent threat on the basepaths, posting above-average stolen base, run scoring, and extra base taken percentages. Capable of playing nearly every position on the field, Hampson has primarily played second base, shortstop, and center field throughout his career. He recorded a career-high eight outs above average with a 92% success rate in center field and an 83% success rate overall.
While Hampson may not currently figure into the Diamondbacks’ plans, his speed and defensive versatility make him a valuable depth piece. The Reno High School graduate will likely report to Arizona’s Triple-A affiliate, the Reno Aces.
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