Wikipedia

Adrian Sampson

Adrian David Sampson (born October 7, 1991) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, and Chicago Cubs, and in the KBO League for the Lotte Giants.

Adrian Sampson
Sampson with the Texas Rangers in 2019
Free agent
Pitcher
Born: (1991-10-07) October 7, 1991 (age 34)
Redmond, Washington, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Professional debut
MLB: June 18, 2016, for the Seattle Mariners
KBO: May 28, 2020, for the Lotte Giants
MLB statistics
(through 2022 season)
Win–loss record11–19
Earned run average4.43
Strikeouts219
KBO statistics
(through 2020 season)
Win–loss record9–12
Earned run average5.40
Strikeouts87
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams

High school and college

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Sampson attended Skyline High School in Sammamish, Washington. In July 2009, Sampson had Tommy John surgery, which caused him to miss his senior season.[1] After not receiving any college baseball scholarships, Sampson attended Bellevue College. After going 4–2 with a 2.36 earned run average (ERA), Sampson was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 16th round of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft.[2] He did not sign with the Marlins and returned to Bellevue. In 2012, he went 13–0 with a 1.36 ERA and 107 strikeouts.[3]

Professional career

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Pittsburgh Pirates

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Sampson was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the fifth round of the 2012 Major League Baseball draft and signed with the Pirates.[4] He made his professional debut that season with the State College Spikes. He started nine of 11 games and had a 2.95 ERA.

Sampson played the 2013 season with the Bradenton Marauders, finishing 5-8 with a 5.14 ERA in 140 innings.[5] He started the 2014 season with the Altoona Curve.[6][7] In July he was selected to play in the Eastern League All-Star Game, but was forced to sit out the game by the Pirates.[8] In August he was promoted to the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians after posting a 2.55 ERA with Altoona. Overall, he went 11–6 with a 2.96 ERA and 109 strikeouts.

Seattle Mariners

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On July 31, 2015, Sampson was traded to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for J. A. Happ.[9] He spent the remainder of the year with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers, making seven starts and struggling to a 2-4 record and 7.28 ERA with 28 strikeouts across 38+1⁄3 innings pitched.

Sampson made his Major League debut on June 18, 2016, against the Boston Red Sox, relieving the injured Wade Miley.[10][11] Scheduled to replace Miley in the rotation, Sampson suffered a torn flexor tendon while warming up before his first major league start five days later against the Detroit Tigers, which required season-ending surgery later that month.[12][13][14][15]

Texas Rangers

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On November 2, 2016, the Texas Rangers claimed Sampson off of waivers.[16][17] In 2017, Sampson rehabbed from the torn flexor tendon injury and made eight minor league appearances that season, going 2-2 with a 3.45 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 31+1⁄3 innings with the rookie-level Arizona League Rangers, High-A Down East Wood Ducks, and Triple-A Round Rock Express.

Sampson spent the first 5 months of the 2018 season with Triple-A Round Rock, going 8-4 with a 3.77 ERA and 85 strikeouts across 126+2⁄3 innings pitched. Sampson was recalled by Texas on September 4, 2018, and on September 11, Sampson made his first career start. He finished the year with a 0-3 record and a 4.30 ERA and 15 strikeouts over 23 innings of work. Sampson was non-tendered by Texas and became a free agent on November 30.[18]

On December 27, 2018, Sampson re-signed with the Rangers on a minor league contract that included an invitation to spring training.[19] Sampson was assigned to the Triple-A Nashville Sounds to begin the 2019 season.[20] On April 1, 2019, the Rangers purchased Sampson's contract and recalled him to the major league roster.[21] On June 8, he recorded his first career complete game versus the Oakland Athletics.[22] Sampson finished the 2019 season going 6–8 with a 5.89 ERA and 101 strikeouts across 125+1⁄3 innings pitched.

Lotte Giants

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On November 22, 2019, Sampson signed one-year contract with the Lotte Giants of the KBO League.[23] He made 25 starts for the Giants in 2020, posting a 9-12 record and 5.40 ERA with 87 strikeouts over 130 innings of work. Sampson became a free agent following the season.

Chicago Cubs

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On May 10, 2021, Sampson signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs organization.[24] With the Triple-A Iowa Cubs, he was 4-5 with a 4.96 ERA. On August 18, his contract was selected by the Cubs.[25] Sampson pitched to a 2.80 ERA with 28 strikeouts in 10 appearances with Chicago. On November 5, Sampson was outrighted off of the 40-man roster.[26]

Sampson returned to the Cubs organization, signing a minor league contract on March 19, 2022.[27] On May 10, he was designated for assignment,[28] and subsequently claimed via waivers by the Seattle Mariners three days later.[29] Though Sampson was assigned to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers, he did not play for the team before being designated for assignment a second time on May 21.[30][31] He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A on May 24, but rejected the outright assignment a day later and elected free agency.[32] On May 31, Sampson re-signed with the Cubs on a minor league contract. On June 16, Sampson was selected back to the active roster.[33] He made 21 appearances (19 starts) for Chicago in 2022, pitching to a 4–5 record and 3.11 ERA with 73 strikeouts in 104+1⁄3 innings of work.

On November 18, 2022, Sampson signed a one-year, $1.9 million contract with the Cubs, avoiding arbitration.[34] In spring training in 2023, Sampson competed with Hayden Wesneski for the fifth starter role behind Marcus Stroman, Jameson Taillon, Drew Smyly, and Justin Steele. He was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on March 25, 2023, after manager David Ross announced Wesneski had won the job.[35] Sampson made two starts for Iowa before undergoing a meniscal debridement surgery on his right knee on May 7.[36] He was placed on the 60-day injured list on May 15.[37] On July 24, Sampson was activated from the injured list. However, upon his activation, he was promptly removed from the 40–man roster and sent outright to Triple–A Iowa.[38]

On August 1, 2023, the Cubs traded Sampson, Manuel Rodríguez, and international free agent bonus pool space to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Josh Roberson.[39] Sampson did not appear for the organization and was released two days later.[40]

Texas Rangers (second stint)

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On February 13, 2024, Sampson signed a minor league contract to return to the Texas Rangers organization.[41] He made 28 appearances (27 starts) for the Triple-A Round Rock Express, compiling an 8-10 record and 5.64 ERA with 120 strikeouts across 137+1⁄3 innings pitched. Sampson elected free agency following the season on November 4.[42]

Washington Nationals

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On May 6, 2025, Sampson signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals.[43] He made 19 starts split between the rookie-level Florida Complex League Nationals, Double-A Harrisburg Senators, and Triple-A Rochester Red Wings, accumulating a combined 6-5 record and 3.95 ERA with 65 strikeouts across 100+1⁄3 innings pitched. Sampson elected free agency following the season on November 6.[44]

References

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  1. ↑ Taylor, Bob (June 28, 2011). "Adrian Sampson composes a mound miracle". The Issaquah Press. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved November 29, 2015.
  2. ↑ "Skyline's Adrian Sampson selected in 16th round of MLB Draft". Issaquah-Sammamish Reporter. June 7, 2011. Retrieved November 29, 2015.
  3. ↑ "Second time a charm for Bellevue College's Sampson". Issaquah Reporter. June 5, 2012. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved November 29, 2015.
  4. ↑ Singer, Tom. "Sampson's toughness appeals to Pirates". MLB.com. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved November 29, 2015.
  5. ↑ Sharkey-Gotlieb, Simon (March 6, 2014). "Adrian Sampson brings new attitude to 2014 seaon [sic]". The Toronto Observer. Retrieved November 29, 2015.
  6. ↑ "Minor league report: Newcomer Sampson is surprise of Curve staff". TribLIVE.com. Retrieved November 29, 2015.
  7. ↑ Perrotto, John (July 27, 2014). "Minor League Report: Sampson has a changeup season from Class A". Timesonline.com. Retrieved November 29, 2015.
  8. ↑ "Curve's Sampson gets raw deal from Pirates having to sit out EL All-Star Game". altoonamirror.com. Retrieved November 29, 2015.
  9. ↑ Stecker, Brent (December 31, 1969). "Mariners trade starter J.A. Happ to Pirates for local pitching prospect Adrian Sampson". KIRO (AM). Retrieved November 29, 2015.
  10. ↑ Divish, Ryan (June 18, 2016). "Adrian Sampson makes MLB debut, but Mariners can't muster much support in loss to Red Sox". Seattle Times. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
  11. ↑ Johns, Greg (June 18, 2016). "Despite loss, Sampson calls debut 'awesome'". MLB.com. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
  12. ↑ "Seattle Mariners' Adrian Sampson needs surgery on injured elbow, will miss rest of season". ESPN. June 25, 2016. Retrieved April 23, 2021.
  13. ↑ Crabtree, Curtis (June 25, 2016). "Mariners pitcher Adrian Sampson needs surgery on injured elbow". The Spokesman-Review. Associated Press. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
  14. ↑ Jude, Adam (June 25, 2016). "Veteran Wade Miley set to return to Mariners' rotation; rookie Adrian Sampson to have elbow surgery". Seattle Times. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
  15. ↑ Johns, Greg (June 24, 2016). "Miley could be close to rejoining rotation". MLB.com. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
  16. ↑ "Rangers claim RHP Sampson on waiver claim from Mariners". ESPN.com. Associated Press. November 2, 2016. Retrieved May 22, 2022. Alternate UEL
  17. ↑ "Rangers receive RHP Adrian Sampson on waiver claim from Seattle Mariners". MLB.com. November 2, 2016. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
  18. ↑ Morris, Adam (November 30, 2018). "Texas Rangers non-tender four, including Matt Bush". Lone Star Ball. SB Nation. Retrieved December 28, 2018.
  19. ↑ Fraley, Gerry (December 27, 2018). "Rangers bring back RHP Adrian Sampson as rotation candidate". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved December 28, 2018.
  20. ↑ "Texas Rangers Set Opening Day Roster". KXAS-TV. March 28, 2019. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
  21. ↑ "Rangers select Adrian Sampson, option Kyle Bird". MLB.com. April 1, 2019. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
  22. ↑ Sullivan, T.R. (June 8, 2019). "Sampson fires complete game to sweep twin bill". MLB.com. Retrieved June 8, 2019.
  23. ↑ "롯데, 외국인 선수 애드리안 샘슨, 딕슨 마차도 영입 [오피셜]". NAVER Sports. November 22, 2019. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
  24. ↑ "'A pitching coach's dream': Adrian Sampson has put himself on the map for Cubs". Marquee Sports Network. October 2021. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
  25. ↑ "Cubs select RHP Adrian Sampson from Triple-A Iowa, designate OF Johneshwy Fargas for assignment". MLB.com. August 18, 2021. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
  26. ↑ "A very preliminary estimate of the Cubs 2022 payroll and luxury tax". Bleed Cubbie Blue. SB Nation. November 15, 2021.
  27. ↑ "Cubs select RHP Adrian Sampson from Triple-A Iowa, Frank Schwindel optioned to Iowa". MLB.com. May 8, 2022. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
  28. ↑ Montemurro, Meghan (May 10, 2022). "Wade Miley will make his Chicago Cubs debut tonight, coming off the injured list to add stability to the rotation". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
  29. ↑ Divish, Ryan (May 13, 2022). "Mariners option Jarred Kelenic to Class AAA Tacoma, make seven other roster moves". The Seattle Times. Retrieved August 26, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  30. ↑ Divish, Ryan (May 21, 2022). "With their outfield ranks growing thin, Mariners take a chance on former All-Star Justin Upton". Seattle Times. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
  31. ↑ "Seattle Mariners sign Justin Upton". ESPN.com. Associated Press. May 21, 2022. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
  32. ↑ "Adrian Sampson: Elects free agency". cbssports.com. Retrieved February 8, 2023.
  33. ↑ "Adrian Sampson rejoins Cubs, Eric Stout DFA'd". NBC Sports Chicago. June 16, 2022. Archived from the original on June 17, 2022. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
  34. ↑ "Players Avoiding Arbitration: 11/18/22". MLB Trade Rumors. November 18, 2022.
  35. ↑ "Cubs' Adrian Sampson: Optioned to Triple-A". CBS Sports. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  36. ↑ "Cubs' Adrian Sampson: Undergoes meniscus surgery". CBS Sports. May 7, 2023. Retrieved May 18, 2023.
  37. ↑ "Cubs' Adrian Sampson: Moved to 60-day IL". CBS Sports. May 15, 2023. Retrieved May 18, 2023.
  38. ↑ "Cubs' Adrian Sampson: Reinstated, outrighted to Triple-A". CBS Sports. July 24, 2023. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  39. ↑ Taylor, Brett (August 1, 2023). "Cubs Reportedly Trade Adrian Sampson, Manny Rodriguez, and IFA Money to the Rays for Josh Roberson". Bleacher Nation. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  40. ↑ "Transactions". MiLB.com. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
  41. ↑ "Rangers Sign Adrian Sampson To Minor League Deal". MLB Trade Rumors. February 13, 2024.
  42. ↑ Eddy, Matt (November 6, 2024). "Minor League Free Agents 2024". Baseball America. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
  43. ↑ Franco, Anthony (May 6, 2025). "Nationals Sign Adrian Sampson To Minor League Deal". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved May 6, 2025.
  44. ↑ "Minor League Free Agents 2025". baseballamerica.com. Retrieved November 28, 2025.
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