Adrian Sampson

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = Adrian Sampson

|image = Adrian Sampson (48104082628) (cropped).jpg

|caption = Sampson with the Texas Rangers in 2019

|width =

|team = Free agent

|number =

|position = Pitcher

|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1991|10|7}}

|birth_place = Redmond, Washington, U.S.

|bats = Right

|throws = Right

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = June 18

|debutyear = 2016

|debutteam = Seattle Mariners

|debut2league = KBO

|debut2date = May 28

|debut2year = 2020

|debut2team = Lotte Giants

|statleague = MLB

|statyear = 2022 season

|stat1label = Win–loss record

|stat1value = 11–19

|stat2label = Earned run average

|stat2value = 4.43

|stat3label = Strikeouts

|stat3value = 219

|stat2league = KBO

|stat2year = 2020 season

|stat21label = Win–loss record

|stat21value = 9–12

|stat22label = Earned run average

|stat22value = 5.40

|stat23label = Strikeouts

|stat23value = 87

|teams =

Seattle Mariners ({{mlby|2016}})
Texas Rangers ({{mlby|2018}}–{{mlby|2019}})
Lotte Giants ({{by|2020}})
Chicago Cubs ({{mlby|2021}}–{{mlby|2022}})

}}

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. He has also played in the KBO League for the Lotte Giants.

High school and college

Sampson attended Skyline High School in Sammamish, Washington. In July 2009, Sampson had Tommy John surgery, which caused him to miss his senior season.{{cite web|url=http://www.issaquahpress.com/2011/06/28/adrian-sampson-composes-a-mound-miracle/|title=Adrian Sampson composes a mound miracle|work=issaquahpress.com|accessdate=November 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208125527/http://www.issaquahpress.com/2011/06/28/adrian-sampson-composes-a-mound-miracle/|archive-date=December 8, 2015|url-status=dead}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.issaquahreporter.com/sports/123397848.html|title=Skyline's Adrian Sampson selected in 16th round of MLB Draft|work=Issaquah-Sammamish Reporter|date=June 7, 2011|accessdate=November 29, 2015}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.bellevuereporter.com/sports/157306405.html|title=Second time a charm for Bellevue College's Sampson – Community sports news|work=Bellevue Reporter|accessdate=November 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208173921/http://www.bellevuereporter.com/sports/157306405.html|archive-date=December 8, 2015|url-status=dead}}

Professional career

=Pittsburgh Pirates=

Sampson was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the fifth round of the 2012 Major League Baseball draft and signed with the Pirates.{{cite web|url=http://m.pirates.mlb.com/news/article/32840354/|title=Sampson's toughness appeals to Pirates|work=Pittsburgh Pirates|accessdate=November 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208043614/http://m.pirates.mlb.com/news/article/32840354/|archive-date=December 8, 2015|url-status=dead}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://torontoobserver.ca/2014/03/05/adrian-sampson-brings-new-attitude-to-2014-seaon/|title=Adrian Sampson brings new attitude to 2014 seaon [sic]|author=Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb|work=The Toronto Observer|date=March 6, 2014|accessdate=November 29, 2015}} He started the 2014 season with the Altoona Curve.{{cite web|url=http://triblive.com/sports/pirates/6063761-74/curve-era-pitching#axzz3GWztRPzc|title=Minor league report: Newcomer Sampson is surprise of Curve staff|work=TribLIVE.com|accessdate=November 29, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.timesonline.com/sports/pirates/minor-league-report-sampson-has-a-changeup-season-from-class/article_23426582-3933-5361-b9a2-618e57a842bd.html|title=Minor League Report: Sampson has a changeup season from Class A|author=John Perrotto|date=July 27, 2014|work=Timesonline.com|accessdate=November 29, 2015}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.altoonamirror.com/page/blogs.detail/display/6027/Curve-s-Sampson-gets-raw-deal-from-Pirates-having-to-sit-out-EL-All-Star-Game.html|title=Curve's Sampson gets raw deal from Pirates having to sit out EL All-Star Game|work=altoonamirror.com|accessdate=November 29, 2015}} 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=

On July 31, 2015, Sampson was traded to the Seattle Mariners for J. A. Happ.{{cite web|url=http://mynorthwest.com/258/2791021/Mariners-trade-starter-JA-Happ-to-Pirates-for-local-pitching-prospect-Adrian-Sampson|title=Mariners trade starter J.A. Happ to Pirates for local pitching prospect Adrian Sampson|author=Brent Stecker|date=December 31, 1969|work=710Sports.com|accessdate=November 29, 2015}}

Sampson made his Major League debut on June 18, 2016, against the Boston Red Sox, relieving the injured Wade Miley.{{cite news |last1=Divish |first1=Ryan |title=Adrian Sampson makes MLB debut, but Mariners can't muster much support in loss to Red Sox |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/mariners/adrian-sampson-makes-mlb-debut-but-mariners-cant-muster-much-support-in-loss-to-red-sox/ |access-date=May 22, 2022 |work=Seattle Times |date=June 18, 2016}}{{cite news |last1=Johns |first1=Greg |title=Despite loss, Sampson calls debut 'awesome' |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/mariners-right-hander-adrian-sampson-debuts-c184799886 |access-date=May 22, 2022 |work=MLB.com |date=June 18, 2016}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/16519566/seattle-mariners-adrian-sampson-needs-surgery-injured-elbow|title=Seattle Mariners' Adrian Sampson needs surgery on injured elbow, will miss rest of season|date=June 25, 2016|work=espn.com|accessdate=April 23, 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Crabtree |first1=Curtis |title=Mariners pitcher Adrian Sampson needs surgery on injured elbow |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/jun/25/mariners-pitcher-adrian-sampson-needs-surgery-on-i/ |access-date=May 22, 2022 |work=The Spokesman-Review |agency=Associated Press |date=June 25, 2016}}{{cite news |last1=Jude |first1=Adam |title=Veteran Wade Miley set to return to Mariners' rotation; rookie Adrian Sampson to have elbow surgery |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/mariners/veteran-wade-miley-set-to-return-to-mariners-rotation-rookie-adrian-sampson-to-have-elbow-surgery/ |access-date=May 22, 2022 |work=Seattle Times |date=June 25, 2016}}{{cite news |last1=Johns |first1=Greg |title=Miley could be close to rejoining rotation |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/mariners-wade-miley-close-to-returning-from-dl-c185996252 |access-date=May 22, 2022 |work=MLB.com |date=June 24, 2016}}

=Texas Rangers=

On November 2, 2016, the Texas Rangers claimed Sampson off of waivers.{{cite news |title=Rangers claim RHP Sampson on waiver claim from Mariners |url=http://www.espn.com/espn/wire/_/section/mlb/id/17955681 |access-date=May 22, 2022 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=November 2, 2016}} [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/17955851/texas-rangers-add-adrian-sampson-waiver-claim-seattle-mariners Alternate UEL]{{cite news |title=Rangers receive RHP Adrian Sampson on waiver claim from Seattle Mariners |url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/rangers-receive-rhp-adrian-sampson-on-waiver-claim-from-seattle-marine-207911398 |access-date=May 22, 2022 |work=MLB.com |date=November 2, 2016}} 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 in 31.1 innings with the AZL Rangers, Down East Wood Ducks, and the Round Rock Express.

Sampson spent the first 5 months of the 2018 season with the AAA Round Rock Express, going 8-4 with a 3.77 ERA in 126.2 innings.

Sampson was recalled to the Texas Rangers on September 4, and on September 11, 2018, Sampson made his first career MLB start. Sampson finished 2018 with a 0-3 record and a 4.30 ERA in 23 major league innings. Sampson was non-tendered by Texas after the 2018 season, and became a free agent on November 30, 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.lonestarball.com/2018/11/30/18120526/texas-rangers-non-tender-four-including-matt-bush |title=Texas Rangers non-tender four, including Matt Bush |last=Morris|first=Adam|work=lonestarball.com|date=November 30, 2018|accessdate=December 28, 2018}}

On December 27, 2018, Sampson re-signed with the Rangers on a minor league contract with an invite to major league spring training.{{cite web|url=https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/texas-rangers/rangers/2018/12/27/rangers-bring-back-adrian-sampson-rotation-candidate |title=Rangers bring back RHP Adrian Sampson as rotation candidate |last=Fraley|first=Gerry|website=The Dallas Morning News|date=December 27, 2018|accessdate=December 28, 2018}} Sampson was assigned to the AAA Nashville Sounds on March 28, 2019.{{cite news |title=Texas Rangers Set Opening Day Roster |url=https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/sports/texas-rangers-set-opening-day-roster/219111/ |access-date=May 22, 2022 |publisher=KXAS-TV |date=March 28, 2019}} On April 1, 2019, the Rangers purchased Sampson's contract and recalled him to the major league roster.{{cite news |title=Rangers select Adrian Sampson, option Kyle Bird |url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/rangers-select-adrian-sampson-option-kyle-bird |access-date=May 22, 2022 |work=MLB.com |date=April 1, 2019}} On June 8, he recorded his first career complete game versus the Oakland Athletics.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/rangers/news/adrian-sampson-throws-complete-game-vs-athletics|title=Sampson fires complete game to sweep twin bill|author=T.R. Sullivan|website=MLB.com|date=June 8, 2019|accessdate=June 8, 2019}}

Sampson finished the 2019 season going 6–8 with a 5.89 ERA over 125.1 innings.

=Lotte Giants=

On November 22, 2019, Sampson signed one-year contract with the Lotte Giants of the KBO League.{{cite web|url=https://sports.news.naver.com/news.nhn?oid=109&aid=0004124261&redirect=true|title=롯데, 외국인 선수 애드리안 샘슨, 딕슨 마차도 영입 [오피셜]|website=NAVER Sports|date=November 22, 2019|accessdate=November 22, 2019}}

He was 9-12 with a 5.40 ERA. He became a free agent following the season.

=Chicago Cubs=

On May 10, 2021, Sampson signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs organization.{{cite news |title='A pitching coach's dream': Adrian Sampson has put himself on the map for Cubs |url=https://www.marqueesportsnetwork.com/a-pitching-coachs-dream-adrian-sampson-has-put-himself-on-the-map-for-cubs/ |access-date=May 22, 2022 |publisher=Marquee Sports Network |date=October 2021}} 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.{{cite news |title=Cubs select RHP Adrian Sampson from Triple-A Iowa, designate OF Johneshwy Fargas for assignment |url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-cubs-select-rhp-adrian-sampson-from-triple-a-iowa-designate-of-joh |access-date=May 22, 2022 |work=MLB.com |date=August 18, 2021}} 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.{{cite web | url=https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2021/11/15/22780140/cubs-2022-payroll-luxury-tax-preliminary-estimate | title=A very preliminary estimate of the Cubs 2022 payroll and luxury tax | date=November 15, 2021 }}

He returned to the organization, signing a minor league contract on March 19, 2022.{{cite news |title=Cubs select RHP Adrian Sampson from Triple-A Iowa, Frank Schwindel optioned to Iowa |url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-cubs-select-rhp-adrian-sampson-from-triple-a-iowa-frank-schwindel- |access-date=May 22, 2022 |work=MLB.com |date=May 8, 2022}} On May 10, he was designated for assignment,{{cite news |last1=Montemurro |first1=Meghan |title=Wade Miley will make his Chicago Cubs debut tonight, coming off the injured list to add stability to the rotation |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/cubs/ct-chicago-cubs-wade-miley-20220510-xzjizgtr35apdj525dfbid2fpe-story.html |access-date=May 22, 2022 |work=Chicago Tribune |date=May 10, 2022}} and subsequently claimed via waivers by the Seattle Mariners three days later.{{cite news |last1=Divish |first1=Ryan |title=Mariners option Jarred Kelenic to Class AAA Tacoma, make seven other roster moves |url=https://www.yakimaherald.com/sports/professional_sports/mariners/mariners-option-jarred-kelenic-to-class-aaa-tacoma-make-seven-other-roster-moves/article_409aaf4f-c496-537e-8fad-0b471650d97f.html |access-date=May 22, 2022 |work=Yakima Herald |date=May 13, 2022}} Though Sampson was assigned to the Tacoma Rainiers, he did not play for the team before being designated for assignment a second time on May 21.{{cite news |last1=Divish |first1=Ryan |title=With their outfield ranks growing thin, Mariners take a chance on former All-Star Justin Upton |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/mariners/with-their-outfield-ranks-growing-thin-mariners-take-a-chance-on-former-all-star-justin-upton/ |access-date=May 22, 2022 |work=Seattle Times |date=May 21, 2022}}{{cite news |title=Seattle Mariners sign Justin Upton |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/33960537/seattle-mariners-sign-justin-upton |access-date=May 22, 2022 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=May 21, 2022}} 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.{{Cite web|title=Adrian Sampson: Elects free agency|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/adrian-sampson-elects-free-agency/amp/|access-date=February 8, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} On May 31, 2022, Sampson re-signed with the Cubs on a minor league contract. On June 16, Sampson was selected back to the active roster.{{Cite news|title=Adrian Sampson rejoins Cubs, Eric Stout DFA'd|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/cubs/adrian-sampson-rejoins-cubs-eric-stout-designated-assignment?amp|access-date=March 23, 2023|newspaper=RSN|language=en}} 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 innings of work.

On November 18, 2022, Sampson signed a one-year, $1.9 million contract with the Cubs, avoiding arbitration.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/11/players-avoiding-arbitration-11-18-22.html|title=Players Avoiding Arbitration: 11/18/22|date=November 18, 2022|website=MLB Trade Rumors}} 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, after manager David Ross announced Wesneski had won the job.{{Cite web|title=Cubs' Adrian Sampson: Optioned to Triple-A|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/cubs-adrian-sampson-optioned-to-triple-a-863349/amp/|access-date=March 25, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} He made 2 starts for Iowa before undergoing a meniscal debridement surgery on his right knee on May 7.{{Cite web|title=Cubs' Adrian Sampson: Undergoes meniscus surgery|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/cubs-adrian-sampson-undergoes-meniscus-surgery/|access-date=May 18, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=May 7, 2023 |language=en}} He was placed on the 60-day injured list on May 15.{{Cite web|title=Cubs' Adrian Sampson: Moved to 60-day IL|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/cubs-adrian-sampson-moved-to-60-day-il/|access-date=May 18, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=May 15, 2023 |language=en}} 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.{{Cite web|title=Cubs' Adrian Sampson: Reinstated, outrighted to Triple-A|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/cubs-adrian-sampson-reinstated-outrighted-to-triple-a/|access-date=July 24, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=July 24, 2023 |language=en}}

=Tampa Bay Rays=

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.{{Cite web|title=Cubs Reportedly Trade Adrian Sampson, Manny Rodriguez, and IFA Money to the Rays for Josh Roberson|url=https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs/2023/08/01/cubs-reportedly-trade-adrian-sampson-manny-rodriguez-and-ifa-money-to-the-rays-for-josh-roberson/|access-date=August 1, 2023|website=bleachernation.com|date=August 2023 |language=en}} Sampson did not appear for the organization and was released two days later.{{Cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2023-08-03/p-1|title=Transactions|website=MiLB.com|accessdate=August 7, 2023}}

=Texas Rangers (second stint)=

On February 13, 2024, Sampson signed a minor league contract with the Rangers.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/02/rangers-sign-adrian-sampson-to-minor-league-deal-2.html|title=Rangers Sign Adrian Sampson To Minor League Deal|date=February 13, 2024|website=MLB Trade Rumors}} On November 6, he elected free agency.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2024/|title=Minor League Free Agents 2024|work=Baseball America|date=November 6, 2024|accessdate=November 6, 2024|first=Matt|last=Eddy}}