Cardinals Claim RHP Chase Hampton Off Waivers
St. Louis adds 25-year-old right-hander Chase Hampton, who has now been claimed twice in quick succession after the Yankees and Nationals both DFA'd him.
The Cardinals officially claimed right-hander Chase Hampton off waivers from Washington on Monday, filling their 40-man roster to 39 players. Hampton was designated by the Nationals just two weeks after they claimed him from the Yankees. The 25-year-old former top-100 prospect has battled significant injuries, including Tommy John surgery in February 2025, and posted an 8.18 ERA across three levels in 2026. He retains two minor league option years, making him a low-risk reclamation target for a rebuilding Cardinals club.
More on the Cardinals wire.
Strzelecki Elects Free Agency After Cardinals DFA, Outright
The 32-year-old reliever turned down a Triple-A assignment from St. Louis and enters the free agent market for the third time in 2026.
Willson Contreras confident he avoided hand fracture but remains day-to-day
Contreras believes he escaped a fracture after being hit by a pitch, per MLB.com's Ian Browne, but his hand remains "still really sore" and his availability is uncertain.
Cardinals Cut Ramon Urias After Injury-Plagued Season
St. Louis released the veteran infielder days after designating him for assignment to make room for JJ Wetherholt.
Cardinals rookie Baez lands on IL with left oblique strain
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Contreras Day-to-Day After HBP on Hand
Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras is listed as day-to-day following a hit-by-pitch on his hand, though initial news is described as positive.
JJ Wetherholt activated from IL by Cardinals, playing time to be managed
Cardinals rookie JJ Wetherholt has been activated from the injured list, per MLB.com, though the club plans to actively manage his playing time going forward.