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Reds Add Speed, Versatility to Bench

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gary Schatz | Last updated May 23, 2025 9:35 PM ET

The Cincinnati Reds added Garrett Hampson to their bench.

Hampson, known for his speed, has played all of the infield and outfield positions.

The 30-year-old from Reno, Nevada, was released by the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday, May 18. The Reds signed him on Thursday.

Hampson played in 18 games for the Diamondbacks, slashing .169/.359/.169 with five singles in 30 at-bats.

Rece Hinds was optioned to Louisville to make room on the 26-man roster. RHP Carson Spiers was placed on the 60-day injured list to make room for Hampson on the 40-man roster.

How can Hampson help the Reds?

He played five positions this season at Arizona: second, third, shortstop, left field, and center field. Hampson has 66 stolen bases in his career in 82 attempts. He is a career .239 hitter with 69 doubles, 19 triples, 29 home runs (career high 11 with Colorado in 2021), and 129 RBI.

“I’ve heard (about Hampson) and watched from afar. Like a lot of good young players, they learn that they have another gear. We are trying to have a more usable bench, especially because we are carrying three catchers,” Francona said. “Rece Hinds has to go play. It doesn’t need to be the fourth outfielder. Hampson can play all positions. He can run. He can allow us to do a few more things later in the game.

This is Hampson’s fifth organization with Colorado, Kansas City, Miami, and Arizona on his resume.

“It’s exciting. There are a lot of good players in this locker room,” Hampson said. “It is valuable to a manager to kind of plug me in and out of different positions. I take pride in that part of my game. I try to stay sharp in all those positions. (Terry)Francona told me he was excited. We’re on the same page with him plugging me into several positions. I want him to trust me.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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