Toward the end of February, the Boston Red Sox made the move to sign outfielder Trayce Thompson to a minor-league contract, which included an invite to Boston’s Spring Training Camp.
Brother of four-time NBA Champion Klay Thompson, Trayce is making his case for a spot on the Opening Day roster.
The 33-year-old has hit three home runs in 18 at-bats, good for a 1.214 OPS thus far. There could be a spot on the roster for a productive right-handed platoon bat, considering the lefties like Wilyer Abreu, Masataka Yoshida, and Jarren Duran that are already in the outfield. The Red Sox could use a righty bat to maybe pinch-hit or use as a defensive replacement if needed.
Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Trayce Thompson (25) runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the San Francisco Giants during the seventh inning at Oracle Park.
John Hefti-Imagn Images
While Thompson was considered a long shot to make the Red Sox roster to start the season, his production has been undeniable this spring. If he were to have any shot at breaking camp with Boston, he would have to have a solid spring, which he is in the midst of.
Thompson hit 13 home runs in two of his partial seven MLB seasons and last saw time with the Chicago White Sox in 2023. He has shown stints where he looks to put it all together, but strikeouts continue to be a problem for Thompson.
Thompson’s fate will likely depend on what Boston plans to do with top prospects like Kristian Campbell and Roman Anthony.
