Garrett Hampson Breakout Alert: Highlights, Stats & What’s Next for the Versatile MLB Spark Plug

Veteran utility player Garrett Hampson is officially a Cincinnati Red after inking a prorated one-year, $760,000 major-league deal that gives manager Terry Francona a multipurpose spark plug for the stretch run. Released by the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday, Hampson arrives at no additional cost to Cincinnati; Arizona remains on the hook for the bulk of the $1.5 million he was guaranteed for the 2025 season. That financial flexibility helped the Reds address a glaring roster need without sacrificing prospects or payroll space. Francona framed the signing as a move to “have a more usable bench,” noting that carrying three catchers had limited late-game options. Hampson, who owns gloves for the infield, outfield and first base, has logged innings at every spot except catcher in his eight-year career. His elite sprint speed (96th percentile in 2024) and defensive versatility give Cincinnati matchup leverage as both a pinch-runner and a late-inning defensive replacement. The 30-year-old struggled at the plate in Arizona, posting a .167/.186/.233 line in 18 games this spring, but his career numbers (.239/.302/.358, 56 SB) hint at league-average production when deployed against left-handed pitching and in spacious parks like Great American Ball Park. If the Reds can restore the swing that produced a 105 wRC+ with Miami last year, Hampson becomes the kind of value add playoff hopefuls covet. To clear roster space, Cincinnati optioned slugging outfielder Rece Hinds to Triple-A Louisville, signaling confidence that the lineup’s power needs are met while prioritizing flexibility. Hampson’s arrival also relieves second baseman Jonathan India and shortstop Elly De La Cruz from emergency outfield duty, allowing Francona to keep his young stars healthier down the stretch. From a fantasy-baseball perspective, Hampson is worth a watchlist add in NL-only and steals-heavy formats; his track record suggests double-digit stolen-base upside if he approaches 300 plate appearances. Hampson is expected to join the active roster in time for Tuesday’s series opener against the division-leading Brewers. With Cincinnati just 2.5 games back in the NL Central, even marginal upgrades could swing the pennant race—and Hampson’s Swiss-Army-knife skill set may prove to be exactly that.