Cincinnati Reds Send Former Texas Rangers Prospect Bubba Thompson to Triple-A
Outfielder Bubba Thompson was among several players reassigned by the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday, marking a setback for the former Texas Rangers prospect’s quest for an Opening Day roster spot. SAM CONNON10 HOURS AGO In this story: Cincinnati Reds CINCINNATI REDS Texas Rangers TEXAS RANGERS The Cincinnati Reds announced Wednesday that outfielder Bubba Thompson has been optioned to Triple-A.
Right-handed pitcher Connor Phillips, ranked as the No. 4 prospect in the Reds’ farm system, was also reassigned to Louisville. Additionally, outfielder Conner Capel, infielder Erick Gonzalez, and utility man Mark Mathias were sent to the minor league camp, reducing the Reds’ major league camp to 39 players.
While Phillips is expected to make his MLB debut this year or next, Thompson’s demotion carries more significance. Once regarded as a top prospect with the Texas Rangers, the 25-year-old now finds himself out of contention for an Opening Day roster spot after changing teams five times in the past seven months.
During Spring Training, Thompson impressed with a .353 batting average and an .892 OPS in 11 Cactus League games.
Originally a first-round pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, Thompson garnered significant attention as one of the Rangers’ most promising talents. However, his prospect status declined over the years, dropping to No. 29 in Texas’ farm system by 2022.
Thompson made his MLB debut in 2022, hitting .265 with a .613 OPS in 55 games. Yet, his performance dipped in 2023, where he managed only a .170 batting average and a .520 OPS in 37 games.
Struggling particularly against left-handed pitchers, Thompson has a .165 batting average in the majors compared to .285 against righties. Nevertheless, he has showcased impressive speed, stealing 22 bases out of 27 attempts in his career.
In the minors, Thompson has displayed power, driving in an average of 20 home runs, 81 RBIs, and 58 stolen bases per 162 games. In 2022, he boasted a .304 batting average and an .829 OPS in Triple-A.
After being designated for assignment by the Rangers last August, Thompson had stints with the Kansas City Royals, New York Yankees, Minnesota Twins, before returning to the Reds this offseason.