Without a doubt, the surprise star of Spring Training for the Boston Red Sox is Trayce Thompson.
The 33-year-old outfielder’s six home runs and 12 RBI lead the squad. He’s also hitting .375/.531 line with an absurd 1.208 slugging percentage. And his three stolen bases are tied with shortstop David Hamilton for team best.
But will that hot start result in a roster spot once the regular season rolls around?
Paths to playing time
Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Wilyer Abreu are locked in as the Red Sox’s starting outfield. However, Abreu is out with a gastrointestinal illness and has yet to play a Spring Training game. Similar to second baseman Vaughn Grissom’s experience with a severe illness last offseason, Abreu has lost significant weight while sick. In turn, the reigning American League Gold Glove right fielder may not be ready for Opening Day.
Temporarily filling in for Abreu looks like Trayce Thompson’s best road to big-league playing time. But maintaining at-bats will be tough in an already crowded outfield. Rob Refsnyder is back after playing 37 games in right field in 2024. And top prospects Roman Anthony and Kristian Campbell could see time this season with Boston. Additionally, depending on what happens with Rafael Devers and the designated hitter situation, current DH Masataka Yoshida could fill in for Duran on left as needed.
Tempered expectations — and optimism
Despite Trayce Thompson’s fiery start, there’s plentiful reason to be skeptical about his big-league success. He hit .263//333/.632 for the New York Mets last spring in 21 at-bats with two home runs and six RBI. (Through March 11, he’s up to 23 at-bats with Boston.) But he spent 2024 at Triple-A with Syracuse and Iowa, hitting .233 with 23 home runs and 66 RBI.
Still, there’s also plenty of evidence for optimism surrounding Thompson’s big-league chances — primarily his persistence. Like fellow 33-year-old Refsnyder, he’s bounced around the league during his career. He’s been rostered on six teams, including a trio of stints with the Chicago White Sox and two with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
However, that willingness to play anywhere shows he’s clearly committed to the game of baseball. And if his two-time NBA champion father, Mychal Thompson, and four-time NBA champion brother, Klay Thompson, are any indication, this gifted athlete won’t give up soon.
Main Photo Credits: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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