Keyvius Sampson

Keyvius Nathaniel Sampson (born January 6, 1991) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Fubon Guardians of the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL). He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cincinnati Reds and in the KBO League for the Hanwha Eagles.

San Diego Padres

Sampson was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the fourth round of the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft. In 2010, he went 12–3 with a 2.90 earned run average and 143 strikeouts in 118 innings pitched. He started the 2013 with the Triple-A Tucson Padres but was demoted to Double-A San Antonio Missions after posting an 8.03 ERA. He was promoted back to Triple-A on August 7, 2013, after going 10–4 with a 2.26 ERA in Double-A. He was added to the Padres 40-man roster on November 20, 2013. Sampson was designated for assignment on December 29, 2014.

Cincinnati Reds

On January 8, 2015, he was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds promoted Sampson to the major leagues on July 30. He was designated for assignment on April 20, 2016, when they called up Drew Hayes. Sampson's contract was purchased by the Reds when the Reds placed Homer Bailey on the 60-day DL on May 18, 2016. On November 28, 2016, Sampson was designated for assignment. He was non-tendered on December 2.

Arizona Diamondbacks

On December 17, 2016, Sampson signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks that included an invitation to spring training. In 12 games (9 starts) for the Triple–A Reno Aces, he logged a 6.75 ERA with 46 strikeouts across 42+2⁄3 innings pitched. Sampson was released by the Diamondbacks organization on June 15, 2017.

Texas Rangers

On June 16, 2017, Sampson signed a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers. He was released the next day.

Miami Marlins

On June 26, 2017, Sampson signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins organization. In 14 games (6 starts) for the Triple–A New Orleans Baby Cakes, he logged a 4.95 ERA with 38 strikeouts in 36+1⁄3 innings pitched. He elected free agency following the season on November 6.

Hanwha Eagles

On November 13, 2017, Sampson signed with the Hanwha Eagles of the KBO League. He became a free agent following the 2018 season.

San Francisco Giants

On January 5, 2019, Sampson signed a minor league deal with the San Francisco Giants. He became a free agent following the 2019 season.

Chicago White Sox

On April 2, 2021, Sampson signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox organization. Sampson posted a 6.43 ERA in 8 appearances between the Low-A Kannapolis Cannon Ballers and the Triple-A Charlotte Knights before he was released on July 20.

Kansas City Monarchs

On July 28, 2021, Sampson signed with the Kansas City Monarchs of the American Association of Professional Baseball.

Lexington Legends

On April 21, 2022, Sampson was traded to the Lexington Legends of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.

Uni-President Lions

On July 7, 2022, Sampson signed with the Uni-President Lions of the Chinese Professional Baseball League. In 11 games (10 starts) for the Lions, he recorded a 3.54 ERA with 59 strikeouts across 61.0 innings of work. In 2023, Sampson made 21 appearances (19 starts) for the team and posted an 8–5 record and 3.11 ERA with 115 strikeouts across 110.0 innings pitched.

Fubon Guardians

On February 8, 2024, Sampson signed with the Fubon Guardians of the Chinese Professional Baseball League. In 5 starts for Fubon, he struggled to an 0–3 record and 6.17 ERA with 29 strikeouts across 23+1⁄3 innings pitched. On May 13, Sampson was removed from the active roster; under CPBL rules, a player is ineligible to return to the active roster once removed, but can remain active in the minor leagues.