Yankees fans reminded of injured top prospect whose 2026 development is paramount

The year is 2024, and Chase Hampton is firmly on the map. His sizzling 2023 campaign, which saw him split time between High-A Hudson Valley and Double-A Somerset (and served as his pro debut), put him on the map thanks to a combined 3.63 ERA and 33.1% strikeout rate. He earned the Kevin Lawn Award and became universally regarded as the top pitching prospect in the New York Yankees' farm system.

The future looked incredibly bright. However, as the 2024 season began, he scuffled. His strikeout rate dropped to 21.1%. He regularly lost the strike zone. He was shut down with what first appeared to be some sort of shoulder injury, then was reclassified as an elbow issue. It became clear that the "issue" would require Hampton to undergo Tommy John surgery.

And that was the last we saw of the talented young right-hander. After just 18 2/3 innings in 2024, he'd be on the shelf the rest of the way. He'd miss all of 2025. He was expected to come into camp healthy, and we were cautiously optimistic. Could the 24-year-old overcome the setback and the nearly two-year layoff and pick up where he left off at the end of his sensational 2023 campaign? Would we see a good, but somewhat diminished prospect? Was all hope lost?

We don't have those answers yet, but what we do have is a confirmation that he's back on the mound and throwing bullpen sessions. That's a very good thing.

Chase Hampton's 2026 development will be crucial for Yankees' future after injury update

Per SNY's report, Aaron Boone was cautiously optimistic about Hampton's progress based on the little we've seen so far this spring.

"Sometimes, when you’re a big prospect and you have a surgery that knocks you out, you get off that 'word of mouth' list as prospects are building their value. It’s important to remember how big of a year he had back in ‘24, and there’s still a lot of reason to be excited as he gets closer to being back to full bore. He looks pretty good right now," Boone said, although it looks like he misspoke when he talked about the "big year" in 2024 (that was actually 2023).

Boone was vague and refused to put a timeline on what we can expect from Hampton. We may or may not see him actually pitch in spring training games this year.

But it's important to contextualize where Hampton was before the injury. The best comp is what Ben Hess did last year, also in his first pro season, and also splitting time between Hudson Valley and Somerset. Matt Blake tabbed Hess as someone who is ahead of where Cam Schlittler was this time last year, hinting that the Alabama product could be in for a meteoric rise in 2026. Hampton was poised for the same in 2024 before he got hurt.

Let's say that once the restrictions are off, Hampton looks like he's picking up right where he left off in 2023. That would be a huge development for the youngster out of Texas Tech, but it probably doesn't mean he gets a big league look this year.

The Yankees will exercise caution, but if Hampton can prove that there are no ill effects, it will put him back on the map and make him a real option in 2027.

With Elmer Rodriguez, Carlos Lagrange, and Hess already generating a ton of buzz, and other promising arms like Bryce Cunningham chomping at the bit behind them, the Yankees are deep. Add Hampton to that conversation, and New York will have a plethora of young hurlers ready to ascend and chase superstardom.

That will be helpful as the big league rotation ages. Gerrit Cole won't be an ace forever if he even still is one. Carlos Rodón isn't out the door yet, but may soon need a successor. Hampton returning to form will give the Yankees the options needed to replenish the starting staff internally. The surplus would also give the club some of the most valuable trade chips a team could ask for.

It's going to start with Hampton proving he's healthy. This spring will go a long way toward quieting the concerns. From there, it will be about getting the buzz back.