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Nationals Designate Former Yankees Prospect Chase Hampton for Assignment

The move frees a 40-man roster spot after Connelly Early was reinstated and highlights how post-surgery struggles have stalled a once top-100 prospect.

Overview

  • The Washington Nationals announced on Saturday that they designated right-hander Chase Hampton for assignment and placed him on waivers.
  • New York had DFA’d Hampton earlier in September to clear a 40-man spot for Aaron Judge, and Washington claimed him off waivers about a week later before this recent roster move.
  • Hampton underwent elbow ligament reconstruction in February 2025 and missed significant time rehabbing before returning to a full season in 2026.
  • He struggled across the Yankees’ minor-league system in 2026, posting an 8.18 ERA in 55 innings and surrendering a high number of home runs, which helped prompt teams to expose him to waivers.
  • Hampton did not appear in any Nationals games during his roughly two-week stay with the organization and now faces the waiver process where he could be claimed by another club or become a free agent if he clears.