The St. Louis Cardinals have endured a tough and turbulent season. They started strong, looking like legitimate contenders, but their hot streak quickly cooled off.
After several months of poor performance, the Cardinals shifted gears and became sellers at the trade deadline. One of their most notable moves was sending Ryan Helsley to the New York Mets—a trade that, in hindsight, has favored St. Louis, as Helsley has struggled with his new team. The Cardinals also dealt Phil Maton and Steven Matz at the deadline.
With the offseason approaching, the organization faces a critical period of roster decisions. While they may begin making changes before the season concludes, a more significant rebuild is expected to take shape in the offseason.
Recently, Nick Deeds of MLB Trade Rumors referenced a report by The Athletic’s Katie Woo, which revealed that the Cardinals are designating veteran outfielder Garrett Hampson for assignment. Deeds elaborated on the move and outlined the other roster changes likely to follow.
Cardinals cutting ties with veteran outfielder Garrett Hampson
”The Cardinals are expected to designate utility man Garrett Hampson for assignment in a series of roster moves slated to become official tomorrow, according to a report from Katie Woo of The Athletic. Hampson’s active roster spot will go to Alec Burleson, who is slated to be activated from the injured list tomorrow,” Deeds wrote. “Hampson’s 40-man roster spot will go to left-hander Nick Raquet, who will have his contract selected to the major league roster tomorrow. Raquet will take the 40-man spot of right-hander Andre Granillo, who is expected to be optioned to Triple-A.
Garrett Hampson, 30, began his career with the Colorado Rockies, where he spent five years as a reliable depth/option, though never quite a standout player. After leaving Colorado in 2022, the veteran outfielder bounced around, playing for the Miami Marlins, Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, and Arizona Diamondbacks before joining the St. Louis Cardinals. However, the Cardinals had little reason to keep him on the roster, given his dismal performance in St. Louis. Over 29 at-bats, he posted a woeful .103/.133/.138 slash line, with an abysmal -23 OPS+.
As the season winds down, the Cardinals will face even more difficult roster decisions come the winter.
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