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.
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.
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.
