Cooper Hummel

Cooper Hummel Bio

Cooper Everett Hummel is an American professional baseball outfielder and catcher who currently plays for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan. Born on November 28, 1994, in Lake Oswego, Oregon, Hummel has built a journeyman career spanning multiple Major League Baseball organizations and now continues his professional baseball journey in Japanese baseball. He was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2016 MLB Draft and has since appeared in the majors with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Seattle Mariners, Houston Astros, and Baltimore Orioles before making the transition to NPB. Hummel attended the University of Portland where he played college baseball for the Portland Pilots and has represented his hometown roots throughout his professional career.

Early Life and Background

Cooper Hummel grew up in Lake Oswego, Oregon, where he attended Lakeridge High School. During his youth, Hummel was a member of the Lake Oswego Little League team that achieved remarkable success by advancing to the U.S. semifinals of the 2007 Little League World Series. This early accomplishment demonstrated his competitive ability and baseball talent at a young age, setting the foundation for his future pursuit of professional baseball. His formative years in Oregon provided him with strong local support and development opportunities that helped shape his path toward collegiate and professional baseball.

After completing high school, Hummel continued his academic and athletic career by enrolling at the University of Portland, a private Catholic university located in Portland, Oregon. He played college baseball for the Portland Pilots for three seasons, developing his skills against collegiate competition while earning his education. This period allowed him to refine his abilities as both an outfielder and catcher, versatility that would later become a valuable asset in his professional career. His experience with the Portland Pilots prepared him for the challenges of professional baseball and provided the platform from which he would launch his professional journey.

Path to Professional Baseball

Following his collegiate career at the University of Portland, Hummel entered the professional baseball ranks when the Milwaukee Brewers selected him in the 18th round of the 2016 Major League Baseball Draft. This draft selection marked the beginning of his professional career and provided him with the opportunity to pursue his dream of reaching the Major Leagues. The Brewers organization saw potential in the Oregon native and gave him his first professional opportunity to develop his craft in their farm system.

Hummel made his professional debut with the rookie-level Helena Brewers, starting his ascent through the minor leagues. He demonstrated steady improvement over his first few professional seasons, advancing through the Brewers system with notable performances at each level. His progression through the minor leagues would eventually catch the attention of other organizations, leading to the trades and opportunities that defined his journeyman path through Major League Baseball.

Cooper Hummel Career

Milwaukee Brewers Minor League Development (2016–2021)

During his time in the Milwaukee Brewers organization, Hummel steadily climbed the minor league ladder, showcasing his abilities as a versatile player capable of playing multiple positions. In 2017, he played for the High-A Carolina Mudcats, where he slashed .244/.368/.381 in 59 games, demonstrating his ability to get on base and contribute offensively. The following year, he returned to Carolina and improved his production, posting a slash line of .260/.397/.410 with 8 home runs and 50 RBI in 103 games. These performances established him as a promising prospect within the Brewers system.

His breakout minor league season came in 2019 with the Double-A Biloxi Shuckers, where Hummel played 121 games and hit .249/.384/.450 with career-highs in home runs (17) and RBI (56). This impressive campaign put him on the map as a legitimate MLB prospect. The 2020 season was lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which cancelled the minor league season entirely. He began the 2021 season with the Triple-A Nashville Sounds, hitting .254/.435/.508 with 6 home runs and 15 RBI before his trade would change his career trajectory.

Arizona Diamondbacks (2022)

On July 28, 2021, the Brewers traded Hummel and Alberto Ciprian to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for Eduardo Escobar, a deal that would give Hummel his first real opportunity at the Major League level. He finished the 2021 season with the Triple-A Reno Aces, batting an impressive .353/.429/.575 with 6 home runs and 37 RBI in 46 games. The Diamondbacks recognized his potential by adding him to their 40-man roster on November 19, 2021, protecting him from the Rule 5 Draft and signaling their commitment to his development.

Hummel made his MLB debut on Opening Day, April 7, 2022, as a pinch hitter for Jake McCarthy. He recorded his first career hit and home run on April 10 against the San Diego Padres, driving the ball off Padres reliever Javy Guerra. In his rookie campaign with Arizona, Hummel appeared in 66 games, slashing .176/.274/.307 with 3 home runs, 17 RBI, and 4 stolen bases. While his offensive numbers were modest, he gained valuable major league experience that would serve him in his future opportunities.

Seattle Mariners (2022–2023)

On November 17, 2022, the Diamondbacks traded Hummel to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Kyle Lewis. This trade provided Hummel with a change of scenery and a new opportunity to prove himself with the Mariners organization. He spent the majority of the 2023 season with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers, where he performed well, hitting .262/.409/.435 with 8 home runs, 47 RBI, and 26 stolen bases. His ability to steal bases and get on base made him a valuable depth player in the Mariners system.

However, his brief time with the major league club in Seattle was challenging, as he went 2-for-23 (.087) with no home runs or RBI in just 10 games. Despite the limited success at the MLB level, Hummel continued to demonstrate his minor league value and remained on rosters as a versatile player capable of playing multiple positions.

Houston Astros (2024–2025)

Hummel’s career took another turn when he was claimed off waivers by the New York Mets on December 1, 2023, only to be designated for assignment shortly thereafter on January 12, 2024. He was then traded to the San Francisco Giants on January 16 in exchange for cash considerations, but was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento to begin the 2024 season. Following multiple roster moves, Hummel was designated for assignment and became available for claim once again.

On April 4, 2024, the Houston Astros claimed Hummel off waivers, beginning his tenure with the team that would become his most prominent MLB landing spot. After being designated for assignment and clearing waivers, he was sent outright to the Triple-A Sugar Land Space Cowboys. His strong performance in the minors earned him a promotion when the Astros selected his contract on June 14, adding him to their active roster. In 45 games for Sugar Land, he had hit .301/.423/.509 with 7 home runs, 31 RBI, and 8 stolen bases.

Following the 2024 season, Hummel was designated for assignment by the Astros in March 2025 and cleared waivers, electing free agency. He subsequently signed with the New York Yankees on April 7, 2025, on a minor league contract but was granted his release in late May after playing 10 games with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Hummel then signed with the Baltimore Orioles on May 25, 2025, appearing briefly with the major league club before clearing waivers and returning to Baltimore on a new contract. He ultimately made just one appearance for the Orioles before being designated for assignment and electing free agency.

On June 6, 2025, Hummel returned to the Houston Astros organization on a minor league contract. He performed well with the Triple-A Sugar Land Space Cowboys, going 7-for-24 (.292) with 2 home runs and 7 RBI in 6 games. The Astros selected his contract on June 14, adding him to their active roster for a second stint. In 36 appearances for Houston, Hummel slashed .172/.301/.276 with 3 home runs, 7 RBI, and 1 stolen base. He was designated for assignment on August 11 and cleared waivers on August 15, electively pursuing free agency.

Tampa Bay Rays (2025)

On August 17, 2025, Hummel signed a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays organization. He finished the 2025 season with the Triple-A Durham Bulls, where he delivered an outstanding performance by batting .312/.471/.731 with 11 home runs and 26 RBI in 28 appearances. This strong showing demonstrated his continued ability to produce offensively at the Triple-A level. Following the season, Hummel elected free agency on November 6, 2025.

Yokohama DeNA BayStars (2026–Present)

On December 8, 2025, Hummel signed with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of Nippon Professional Baseball, marking a new chapter in his professional career. This move to Japan’s top baseball league represented an opportunity to continue his playing career overseas while experiencing a different style of professional baseball. The BayStars, based in Yokohama, Japan, compete in NPB’s Central League and have a history of featuring international players who contribute to their roster.

Through May 20, 2026, Hummel’s NPB statistics with the BayStars showed a .200 batting average with 3 home runs and 13 RBI. Wearing number 99 for his new club, Hummel has begun adapting to the nuances of Japanese baseball while bringing his experience from Major League Baseball to the NPB level. His transition to Japan represents the next phase of his professional journey as he continues his baseball career outside the United States.

Cooper Hummel Driving Style and Strengths

Throughout his career, Hummel has displayed versatility as both an outfielder and catcher, allowing teams to utilize him in multiple positions. His ability to play behind the plate adds value to his defensive profile, as fewer players possess the skills necessary to catch at the professional level. Offensively, he has shown the ability to work counts and get on base, as evidenced by his consistent on-base percentages throughout his minor league career. His speed also contributes to his game, with multiple seasons showing double-digit stolen base totals at the minor league level.

Notable Events and Milestones

Hummel’s career has been highlighted by several notable moments, including his MLB debut on Opening Day 2022 with the Arizona Diamondbacks and his first career hit and home run coming in the same game against the San Diego Padres. His participation in the 2007 Little League World Series as a member of the Lake Oswego team represents one of his earliest achievements on the national stage. His career path through multiple MLB organizations demonstrates his persistence and ability to remain in professional baseball despite the challenges of being a journeyman player.

Cooper Hummel Career Wins

Throughout his professional baseball career, Hummel has accumulated statistics across multiple leagues and levels of competition. His MLB career includes appearances with five different organizations, where he has demonstrated his ability to contribute at the game’s highest level, though in limited opportunities.

Major League Baseball Highlights

Across his MLB career through the 2025 season, Hummel has appeared in 122 games, compiling a career batting average of .163 with 6 home runs and 24 RBI. His best offensive minor league seasons came with the Triple-A Reno Aces in 2021 (.353 average) and the Durham Bulls in 2025 (.312 average). His most productive minor league campaign was 2019 with Double-A Biloxi, where he hit 17 home runs with 56 RBI while posting a .249/.384/.450 slash line.

Other Wins and Performances

In addition to his offensive statistics, Hummel has demonstrated value through his defensive versatility and baserunning ability. He recorded 26 stolen bases with the Tacoma Rainiers in 2023 and 8 with the Sugar Land Space Cowboys in 2024. His transition to Nippon Professional Baseball with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars continues his professional career with 3 home runs and 13 RBI through early 2026.

Cooper Hummel Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

Cooper Hummel’s baseball roots run deep in his family background. Growing up in Lake Oswego, Oregon, he was part of a community with strong youth baseball traditions, as evidenced by his Lake Oswego Little League team’s advancement to the 2007 Little League World Series U.S. semifinals. While specific details about his parents and family lineage are not publicly available, his early success in youth baseball suggests a supportive family environment that fostered his athletic development.

Personal Life

Hummel married his wife Ashley in 2021, sharing his life with a partner who has supported him throughout his professional baseball journey. The couple began their married life as Hummel was establishing himself in professional baseball, with Ashley accompanying him through the various relocations and transitions that come with being a professional athlete whose career takes him across multiple organizations. Hummel maintains a public profile on social media platforms, connecting with fans through his Instagram and X accounts. He currently resides in Japan as he continues his baseball career with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, a significant life change that has taken the couple international as he pursues his professional goals in Nippon Professional Baseball.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season represented a particularly eventful year in Hummel’s career, as he appeared with four different MLB organizations while navigating the challenges of being a journeyman player in professional baseball. His season began with the Houston Astros, who claimed him off waivers in April before designating him for assignment and ultimately sending him outright to the minors. Despite these roster fluctuations, Hummel continued to perform at the Triple-A level, demonstrating his ability to produce offensively when given regular playing time.

Following his release from the Yankees organization in late May, Hummel signed with the Baltimore Orioles and appeared briefly with their major league club before being designated for assignment once again. His ability to bounce back and immediately re-sign with Baltimore demonstrated his value as a player willing to accept any opportunity to continue his career. The second half of his 2025 season with Houston proved to be his most sustained MLB action, as he appeared in 36 games with the Astros while contributing defensively across multiple positions.

His standout performance came with the Tampa Bay Rays organization after the 2025 MLB season, where he excelled with the Durham Bulls by hitting .312 with 11 home runs and 26 RBI in just 28 games. This strong finish to his American baseball career helped position him for his move to Japan, where he signed with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in December 2025. The 2025 season underscored Hummel’s resilience and ability to continue performing at a high level despite constant roster changes and uncertainty. His transition to NPB represents both a new opportunity and a testament to his enduring passion for baseball at the professional level.