ICYMI: Former Rockies Speedster Joins Marlins Major League Roster

With a deadline to either select him to their 40-man roster, or lose him to free agency, the Miami Marlins decided to add former Colorado Rockies speedster Garrett Hampson to their roster.

#Marlins roster move: The team has selected INF/OF Garrett Hampson's contract. As a corresponding move, RHP Anthony Bender (rehabbing from Tommy John surgery) has been placed on the 60-day IL.
— Jordan McPherson (@J_McPherson1126) March 15, 2023

Hampson's minor league contract contained language that allowed him to go try his hand with other teams if the Marlins hadn't decided by March 15 to add him.

The 28-year-old had spent the first five years of his career with the Rockies, where he continually bounced between starting and the bench. Despite playing in the hitters' paradise that is Coors Field, Hampson only managed to hit .235 with a meager .296 on-base and a .665 OPS in his half-decade in Denver. His OPS+ of 69 was 31% below league average.

But he can motor. He has 52 stolen bases in 65 attempts, across 1,279 plate appearances. His first four seasons he was in the 98th or 99th percentile in sprint speed in the majors, and still clocked in in the 96th percentile in 2022, per Baseball Savant.

Add Jon Berti to the mix, and the Marlins now have two of the fastest players in the game.

Photo: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports