Cardinals Re-Sign Fleming as Orioles Claim Hampton
The St. Louis Cardinals made several roster moves on November 2, re-signing pitcher Josh Fleming and losing right-hander Chase Hampton to the Baltimore Orioles.
St. Louis brought back left-handed pitcher Josh Fleming on a minor-league contract as clubs began making roster decisions after the 40-man compliance deadline. The Cardinals also declined the mutual option held by reliever Ryne Stanek, reinstated pitcher Max Rajcic from the 60-day injured list and designated Hampton for assignment. Baltimore then claimed Hampton.
Fleming, 30, made six starts for Triple-A Memphis in 2026, posting a 6.37 ERA over 29⅔ innings. Earlier in the season, he appeared in 13 games, including 12 starts, for Toronto’s Triple-A club, where his ERA was 3.08. He also pitched once in the major leagues for the Blue Jays and made five appearances in the Chicago Cubs’ minor-league system, recording a 3.44 ERA there.
Rajcic debuted in the majors this season, appearing in six games as a reliever and allowing a 5.00 ERA across nine innings. An elbow injury put him on the 60-day injured list, and he underwent reconstructive surgery on his ulnar collateral ligament before being reinstated.
Hampton spent 2026 in the Yankees’ organization and had an 8.18 ERA in 17 appearances. St. Louis claimed him in late September, but he did not appear for the Cardinals before they designated him for assignment. Stanek’s option was worth $6 million; the club chose not to exercise it.