St. Louis Cardinals claim Chase Hampton

The St. Louis Cardinals have claimed starting pitcher Chase Hampton off of waivers from the Washington Nationals. Hampton, 25, was 0-6 with an 8.18 ERA, 17 games, 17 starts, 55 innings, 56 strikeouts, 34 walks, and a whip of 1.78 combined between Low-A Tampa, High-A Hudson Valley, and Double-A Somerset in 2026. 

The Nationals had claimed Hampton off of waivers from the New York Yankees on September 12, 2026.

Hampton had his best season in 2023, combined between High-A Hudson Valley and Double-A Somerset. That season, Hampton was 4-3 with a 4.30 ERA, 20 games, 20 starts, 106.2 innings, 145 strikeouts, 37 walks, and a whip of 1.14. The wins, games, starts, and innings were all career highs for Hampton.

Overall, Hampton has played 3 minor league seasons. Hampton is 4-10 with a 4.89 ERA, 44 games, 44 starts, 180.1 innings, 217 strikeouts, 80 walks, and a whip of 1.33.

Hampton is a former top 100 prospect who returned from Tommy John surgery in May. This season, Hampton reached 92-94 mph on his fastball; in the past that reached 97 mph,

Hampton seems he is a solid lottery ticket pickup for the Cardinals. If Hampton sticks on the Cardinals 40-man roster, could be end up as a reliever? 

The Cardinals 40-man roster now stands at 39. 
 

St. Louis Blues claim Justin Barron

The St. Louis Blues have claimed defenseman Justin Barron off of waivers from the Nashville Predators. Barron, 24, played 52 games with 9 assists, 9 points, and a -1 with the Predators in 2025-2026. 

Barron had his best season in 2022-2023, with the Montreal Canadiens. That season, Barron played 39 games with 4 goals, 11 assists, 15 points, and a -2. The assists and points were both career highs for Barron. 

In 2023-2024, Barron had a career high (7) goals. 

Barron played a career high (62) games in 2024-2025, combined btween the Canadiens and Predators. 

Overall, Barron has played 5 NHL seasons. Barron has played 208 games with 18 goals, 34 assists, 52 points, and a -27. 

Barron is a former 1st round pick (25th overall) by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2020 NHL Draft. 

Barron could be a good pickup by the Blues. 
 

St. Louis Cardinals promote Cooper Hjerpe

 

The Cardinals have promoted starting pitcher Cooper Hjerpe from Triple-A Memphis. To make room for Hjerpe on the active roster the Cardinals have optioned RHP Hancel Rincon to Triple-A Memphis. Hjerpe, 25, is currently 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA, 15 games, 15 starts, 42 innings, 61 strikeouts, 32 walks, and a whip of 1.26 combined between the Florida Complex League, Low-A Palm Beach, Double-A Springfield, and Triple-A Memphis.

Hjerpe had his best season in 2024, combined between High-A Peoria and Double-A Springfield. That season, Hjerpe was 2-4 with a 3.27 ERA, 52.1 innings, 76 strikeouts, 28 walks, and a whip of 1.13. The wins tied a career high from 2023 for Hjerpe. The games, starts, innings, and strikeouts were all career highs for Hjerpe.

Overall, Hjerpe is currently in his 3rd minor league season. Hjerpe is 4-8 with a 3.26 ERA, 40 games, 38 starts, 1 hold, 135.1 innings, 188 strikeouts, 85 walks, and a whip of 1.20.

Hjerpe is currently the Cardinals 18th best prospect.

Hjerpe will wear no.56.

Hjerpe will serve as a piggyback behind starting pitcher Kyle Leahy.