Kansas City Royals sign versatile former Miami Marlin. He played 6 positions in 2023

The Kansas City Royals made another free-agent signing on Wednesday. The Royals signed infielder/outfielder Garrett Hampson to a one-year deal.

ESPN reports Hampson’s deal is for $2 million.

Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said he was interested in Hampson for a while. The Royals view him as a player who can impact the team in multiple ways.

“We clearly felt we had a need from the right-handed side of the plate in the infield,” Picollo said. “With Garrett, we’re getting somebody that can play the infield and somebody that can play the outfield.”

Hampson, 29, spent last season with the Miami Marlins. He hit .276 with three home runs, 23 RBIs and five stolen bases. He had a .729 OPS (on-base plus slugging) in 98 games.

Additionally, Hampson offers lots of positional versatility. He can play six different positions, as he lined up at all three outfield spots, shortstop, second base and third base last year.

Hampson is also a speed threat. He had a 29.8 feet-per-second sprint speed, per Baseball Savant, last season. He ranked close behind his new teammates in KC: Bobby Witt Jr. (30.5 ft/sec) and Dairon Blanco (30.3 ft/sec) in the category.

The Royals value speed in their organization. Hampson further adds that element with his addition to the roster.

“Looking at all the options, I just really respect kind of how much pride they take in their defense, speed and baserunning,” Hampson said. “I don’t feel like every organization, you know, has that priority. And that’s me. I think that I fit this club really well.”

In 2021, Hampson had 11 home runs and 17 stolen bases in 147 games with the Colorado Rockies. He spent his first five seasons in the Rockies’ organization.

Hampson learned a lot with the Rockies. He mentioned Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon inspired him as a young player in the big leagues.

“I think just setting the example of how you carry yourself around a big-league field, doing the right things and working hard,” Hampson said of learning from Blackmon. “I feel like I have taken a lot from him in just how he works every day.”

Hampson will now lean on those experiences with the Royals. He is expected to continue playing multiple positions next season.

“Talk to anybody that’s been around the game, that’s been around Garrett, they talk about the positive influence he has in the clubhouse,” Picollo said. “And he is a baseball player. You know, that’s a key ingredient in any player that we’re trying to sign.”

The Royals have been busy this offseason. Hampson is KC’s latest offseason addition, as he joins pitchers Nick Anderson and Kyle Wright.

Both were acquired in separate trades with the Atlanta Braves earlier this month.

Hampson has never been to Kansas City. He is excited to arrive and help the Royals next season.

“I’ve heard nothing but great things about the stadium and the city itself,” Hampson said. “And I think it’s a great fit. I’m really excited to get things started.”