REPORT: Yankees promising pitcher may be ready for a huge 2024 season.

Chase Hampton’s journey from being a sixth-round draft pick with command issues to becoming one of the top pitching prospects for the New York Yankees has been remarkable. Despite initial struggles, Hampton underwent significant mechanical adjustments in just one offseason, transforming into a consistently effective strike-thrower.

In the 2023 season, Hampton emerged as one of the standout pitchers in Minor League Baseball, boasting an impressive 33.1% strikeout rate and a 3.63 ERA across 21 starts. While he started strong with the Hudson Valley Renegades in High-A, he encountered some challenges in the latter part of the season with the Somerset Patriots in Double-A. Nevertheless, Hampton’s ability to consistently throw strikes was evident, with a strike rate of 66%, ranking him in the 87th percentile among Minor League pitchers with at least 100 innings pitched in 2023.

The Insights From Chase Hampton’s breakout

Chase Hampton’s performance in the Minor Leagues during the previous season was nothing short of impressive. He demonstrated his prowess by striking out 33.1% of the batters he faced, accompanied by a commendable 3.63 ERA across 21 starts. Although he experienced a slight dip in performance during the latter half of the season with the Somerset Patriots in Double-A after an exceptional start with the Hudson Valley Renegades in High-A, Hampton’s ability to consistently throw strikes remained remarkable. His strike rate of 66% placed him in the 87th percentile among Minor League pitchers with at least 100 innings pitched in 2023.

At the core of Hampton’s pitching arsenal is his dominant four-seam fastball, characterized by its high velocity and movement that often leads batters to swing underneath the pitch for whiffs, especially in the upper part of the strike zone. This pitch serves as his primary weapon on the mound, and with the added velocity he gained while with the Yankees, it has emerged as one of the most formidable four-seam fastballs in the Minor Leagues. Such improvement has even prompted comparisons to the reigning AL Cy Young winner, underlining Hampton’s potential as a top-tier pitcher.

In an article by Brendan Kuty of The Athletic, Hampton himself acknowledged the development of his fastball and its impact on his performance, suggesting that it has elevated his game to a level reminiscent of elite pitchers in the league. This progress bodes well for Hampton’s future in professional baseball, as he continues to refine his skills and strive for excellence on the mound.

“Some of the players joke and they call him a little mini Gerrit because he has some similarities but he’s obviously not Gerrit Cole at the same time”

For those who don’t know, Sam Briend works as the Pitching Coordinator for the New York Yankees. It’s really amazing when a starting pitcher in your organization receives that type of recognition. Although it’s obvious that Chase Hampton isn’t expected to rank among the top pitchers of his time, these parallels are drawn from his profile, which is anchored by a strong fastball.

There’s only one thing left to ask: How good is Chase Hampton’s fastball compared to Gerrit Cole’s?

While Chase Hampton’s fastball numbers, as measured by Robert Frey’s Stuff+ calculator, may align with Gerrit Cole’s from the previous season, it’s essential to note that this doesn’t equate to their fastballs being identical. What sets Cole apart from most pitchers is his exceptional command and feel for the game, allowing him to anticipate hitters’ swings and strategically place his pitches. Hampton, with only one year of professional experience, doesn’t possess the same level of command and feel for his fastball as Cole does.

Turning the focus back to Hampton, his pitching repertoire extends beyond the fastball, encompassing a cutter and sweeper added since joining the Yankees. Despite his relatively short time in the professional ranks, Hampton’s cutter has proven to be a reliable pitch for inducing soft contact and strikeouts, showcasing his aptitude for developing new pitches. Additionally, his natural wrist rotation lends itself well to a sweeper, serving as a potent strikeout weapon.

With distinct horizontal movement profiles for his cutter and sweeper, complemented by a curveball honed since his collegiate days, Hampton boasts a well-rounded repertoire. This versatility positions him as a promising prospect for the Yankees, with the potential to make a significant impact in the 2024 season. However, the timeline for his ascent to the Major League level and the window of opportunity for him to contribute effectively remain uncertain factors, contingent on his continued development and the team’s strategic considerations.

Will the Yankees switch to Chase Hampton in 2024?

The New York Yankees face significant concerns with their starting rotation entering the upcoming season, particularly regarding the health and performance of key pitchers such as Carlos Rodon, Nestor Cortes, and Marcus Stroman. Rodon and Cortes struggled last season, combining for a high ERA and limited starts, while Stroman dealt with injury issues despite making an All-Star appearance.

Given these uncertainties, there may be an opportunity for Chase Hampton to earn a start and contribute to the team in 2024. However, several factors could affect this possibility. The Yankees may initially rely on pitchers like Will Warren and Cody Poteet as backups before considering a relatively inexperienced 22-year-old like Hampton for a starting role. Additionally, if a significant portion of the rotation lacks MLB experience or success, it could signal deeper issues within the team.

Furthermore, the Yankees’ decision to acquire another starter before the season begins could impact Hampton’s chances of securing a starting role. If the team opts to bolster their rotation with a proven veteran, Hampton may face increased competition for playing time.

Ultimately, Hampton’s potential contributions to the Yankees’ rotation in 2024 will depend on a combination of his development, the team’s needs and priorities, and the overall performance and health of the pitching staff.

“I definitely feel like there might be another move on the way, but you never know.”

It’s understandable to consider both scenarios regarding Chase Hampton’s potential MLB debut in 2024. Acquiring another starter could indeed reduce his chances of making the roster, providing him with more time to develop and refine his skills in the minor leagues. However, if Hampton performs exceptionally well and demonstrates readiness for the majors, he could force his way into the team’s plans, much like Luis Severino did in 2015.

When it comes to prospects, it’s essential to temper expectations and exercise caution with optimism. While Hampton may have shown promise and potential, there are various factors that can influence his trajectory, including injuries, regression, and the transition to the major leagues. It’s impossible to predict with certainty how a prospect will perform at the highest level.

Looking at projections from ZiPS can provide some insight into what to expect from Hampton in 2024, but it’s crucial to remember that these are just projections and not guarantees. Hampton’s development will continue to unfold, and only time will reveal his true potential and impact on the New York Yankees.

Chase Hampton’s journey in the MLB is undoubtedly one filled with potential and uncertainty, as is the case with most prospects. While it’s realistic to temper expectations for his immediate impact in 2024, given his limited professional experience, the upcoming season still holds importance for his development and future with the New York Yankees.

The possibility of Hampton starting the season with the Triple-A affiliate in Scranton is a plausible scenario, providing him with an opportunity to continue refining his skills and proving his readiness for the big leagues. However, as you rightly pointed out, unforeseen circumstances such as injuries or impressive performances could create openings for him earlier than expected.

Ultimately, Hampton’s focus should remain on his performance on the mound, as that is within his control. By consistently showcasing his abilities and seizing any opportunities that come his way, he can position himself for success both in the short and long term. The Yankees’ excitement about his potential speaks volumes about his talent, and it will be fascinating to see how he progresses, whether it’s in 2024 or beyond.