Rockies extend Tyler Kinley, dump Garrett Hampson

The Colorado Rockies are moving on from one of the final players left on their last playoff team, Garrett Hampson was non-tendered ahead of Friday’s deadline.

On the same day, the Rockies extended one of their better relievers from a year ago Tyler Kinley. The right-handed reliever, who is currently injured and will begin next season on the shelf, will make $6.25MM total for the three years, per Ari Alexander. His contract will break down like this: $1.2 million in 2023, $1.3 million in 2024 and $3 million in 2025. He has a 2026 club option valued at $5 million, coming with a $750K buyout. The 2025 and 2026 seasons contain bonuses and incentives based on games finished. Which indicates Kinley, 31, could be the future closer once Daniel Bard, 37, is out of his two-year deal.

Kinley had a 0.75 ERA in 25 games over 24 innings in 2022 as a third-year bullpen arm for Colorado. He had 26 strikeouts and just six walks, not allowing a home run.

Hampson, 28, a utility man, was one of the worst players in baseball last season. Held to a .211/.287/.307 slashline over 226 plate appearances in 90 games. In 2022 he played centerfield, shortstop, second base, third base and designated hitter for the Rockies. In the past, he’s played left field, and pinch ran as well.

Hampson Rockies career will most likely end his Rockies career at 419 games, though Colorado has the option to bring him back for cheaper than the deal they would’ve had to give him due to arbitration. The Rockies picked up Nolan Jones in a trade a few days back, and he seems to fill some of the same roles Hampson did but with more power and potential.

The Rockies 40-man roster sits at 39, even after a day of some moves—meaning more could be on the way.

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