Arizona Diamondbacks utility man Garrett Hampson has opted out of his contract, in keeping with MLB Community insider Jon Heyman on X/Twitter.
(Word: this text has been up to date to mirror the newest report from Nick Piecoro)
Hampson had been within the midst of a profitable Spring Coaching, hitting .289/.386/.368 with a .755 OPS over 44 plate appearances, together with a double, triple, 10 runs scored and 7 RBI. He additionally performed strong infield protection, and even had the flexibility to play outfield in a pinch.
Hampson had signed a minor league cope with the D-backs this offseason. Current in most of some of these minor league offers is an opt-out that gamers can use. In 2024, infielder Kevin Newman opted out, however remained with the Diamondbacks’ group, and ended up enjoying a essential function as Arizona’s backup utility infielder after an harm to Geraldo Perdomo.
So whereas Hampson’s tenure with the D-backs may not be fully over on account of his opt-out, it’s doubtless he did so on account of how this yr’s infield battle turned out.
Hampson, Ildemaro Vargas, Jordan Lawlar and a handful of others had been within the combine. One after the other the others had been weeded down till it was solely Hampson and Vargas remaining.
In accordance with the Arizona Republic’s Nick Piecoro, the choice to decide out doesn’t imply Hampson formally will not make the roster. Somewhat, it is a precautionary measure for the infielder, guaranteeing he’ll hit free company if he does not crack the 26-man.
However that additionally doesn’t suggest that Vargas is not on observe to win that utility infield roster spot. The truth is, the veteran 33-year-old had an much more spectacular Cactus League to this point.
Over 49 plate appearances, Vargas raked to the tune of an unimaginable .341/.408/.568 slash. That is good for each a 154 wRC+ and a .976 OPS. He is recorded 4 doubles, two homers, 9 RBI, scored eight runs, and has walked 3 times towards solely three strikeouts over all of Spring Coaching.
These are actually spectacular offensive numbers. The query stays whether or not Vargas is ready to take action within the common season towards massive league-caliber pitching. Cactus League outcomes are by no means numbers to weigh too closely.
The essential a part of a utility infielder is versatility, and the power to choose up the baseball at a constant fee from a wide range of spots. Supervisor Torey Lovullo values that consistency closely. In reality, each Vargas and Hampson had finished nicely in that regard.
It is potential Hampson desires to search for a extra outstanding function on one other group after his profitable spring, and it is also potential he does find yourself remaining with the D-backs’ group if no different alternatives materialize for him.
No official resolution has been introduced with regard to that utility infield roster spot, however it’s a secure guess to see Vargas take it when Opening Day rosters are introduced.
For now, keep tuned to Diamondbacks On SI for updates on this growing story.
