New York Yankees pitching prospect **Chase Hampton** underwent Tommy John surgery on Friday to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow, manager Aaron Boone confirmed following the team’s exhibition opener. The 23-year-old right-hander, a sixth-round draft pick in 2022 out of Texas Tech, had emerged as one of the Yankees’ top prospects, ranking No. 6 overall and second among pitchers in their farm system last season.
Hampton’s promising trajectory hit turbulence in 2024. After a standout 2023 campaign—posting a 3.63 ERA with 145 strikeouts in 106⅔ innings across Class A Hudson Valley and Double-A Somerset—he missed the first half of 2024 due to a flexor strain. Upon returning in July, he logged a 2.41 ERA in seven starts but was sidelined again in August with a lower-body injury.
Despite the setbacks, Hampton earned a non-roster invite to big league spring training for the second consecutive year, signaling the Yankees’ continued belief in his potential. His latest injury, however, derails any chance of a 2025 debut, with recovery from Tommy John surgery typically requiring 12–18 months. The Yankees now face a critical depth loss as they navigate a competitive AL East landscape.
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