February 21, 2025
Analysis
Hampton traveled back to New York earlier this week to have his right elbow examined and received the worst possible news. If there's a silver lining, it's that having the operation in February will give him a chance to return for the start of the 2026 season, or at least early on in the campaign. The 23-year-old right-hander is regarded as one of the Yankees' top pitching prospects after turning in a 2.41 ERA with 16 strikeouts across 18.1 innings at three minor-league levels in 2024.