Trayce Thompson

Summary

Trayce Nikolas Thompson (born March 15, 1991) is an American professional baseball outfielder in the New York Mets organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, and San Diego Padres. Thompson also played for the Great Britain National Team in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

Trayce Thompson
Thompson batting for the Padres in 2022
New York Mets – No. 43
Outfielder
Born: (1991-03-15) March 15, 1991 (age 33)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
August 4, 2015, for the Chicago White Sox
MLB statistics
(through 2023 season)
Batting average.212
Home runs45
Runs batted in126
Teams

Trayce is the son of former National Basketball Association (NBA) player Mychal Thompson and the younger brother of current NBA player Klay Thompson.

Early career edit

Thompson attended Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Rancho Santa Margarita, California.[1] He committed to attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to play college baseball for the UCLA Bruins.[2]

Professional career edit

Chicago White Sox edit

The Chicago White Sox selected Thompson in the second round of the 2009 MLB Draft, and he signed rather than enroll at UCLA. Thompson started his baseball career in 2009 at the Rookie level with the Bristol White Sox and Great Falls Voyagers. In 2009 combined, Thompson hit .198 in 106 at-bats.[3] In 2010, Thompson played the whole season for the Kannapolis Intimidators of the Single–A South Atlantic League. In 2010, Thompson hit .229 in 210 at-bats.[3] In 2011, Thompson again played the whole season with Kannapolis hitting .241 in 519 at-bats, and was named to the mid-season SAL All-star team.[3] In 2012, Thompson moved up through the White Sox farm system starting with the Winston-Salem Dash of the High–A Carolina League, then moved up to the Birmingham Barons of the Double–A Southern League and the Charlotte Knights of the Triple–A International League. In 2012, Thompson hit a combined .253 in 517 at-bats.[3] Before the 2013 season, Thompson was ranked the White Sox #2 prospect.[4] Thompson spent the entire 2013 season at Double-A Birmingham where he hit .229 in 507 at bats.[3]

Thompson was added to the White Sox' 40-man roster on November 20, 2013.[5] The White Sox promoted Thompson to the major leagues on August 3, 2015,[6] and he made his debut the next day.[7] He hit his first major league home run on August 11 against Hector Santiago.[7]

Los Angeles Dodgers edit

On December 16, 2015, Thompson, along with Micah Johnson and Frankie Montas, were traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers as part of a three team trade that sent Todd Frazier to the White Sox and José Peraza, Brandon Dixon and Scott Schebler to the Cincinnati Reds.[8] He made the Dodgers' 2016 opening day roster.[9] He played in 80 games for the Dodgers, hitting .225 with 13 homers and 32 RBI.[10] He was placed on the disabled list on July 16 with a sore back.[11] When his injury did not respond to treatment, he underwent an X-Ray which revealed that he had multiple fractures in his back,[12] which kept him out of action for the rest of the season.[13]

After recovering from his injuries, Thompson was optioned to the Oklahoma City Dodgers to begin the 2017 season, but was called up to the parent club partway through the season.[14] Ultimately, he played in 95 games for the Oklahoma City club and 27 for the Dodgers. In his big-league appearances in 2017, he batted .122 with a .483 OPS and two RBIs.[10]

Thompson was designated for assignment by the Dodgers on March 27, 2018.[15]

Oakland Athletics edit

On April 3, 2018, Thompson was claimed off waivers by the New York Yankees[16] and then two days later was claimed again, this time by the Oakland Athletics.[17] The Athletics designated him for assignment on April 17, 2018.[18] He had one hit in seven at-bats in three games for the Athletics.[10]

Chicago White Sox (second stint) edit

Thompson was traded back to the White Sox on April 19, 2018, in return for cash considerations.[19] The White Sox designated Thompson for assignment on June 22, 2018.[20] In 48 games in the majors, he hit .116 with three home runs and nine RBI.[10] He elected free agency on November 2, 2018.[21]

Cleveland Indians edit

On December 1, 2018, Thompson signed a minor league deal with the Cleveland Indians. He spent the 2019 season with the Triple-A Columbus Clippers, playing in 89 games and hitting .219/.294/.482 with 24 home runs, 56 RBI, and 8 stolen bases. On August 2, 2019, Thompson was released by the Indians organization.[22]

Arizona Diamondbacks edit

On February 2, 2020, he signed a minor league deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks organization.[23] However he did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[24] He re-signed with the Diamondbacks on a minor league deal on November 2, 2020, but played in only four games for the Triple-A Reno Aces in 2021, going 5-18.[3]

Chicago Cubs edit

On May 11, 2021, Thompson was traded to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for cash considerations.[25] Thompson played in 88 games for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs, hitting .233 with 21 home runs and 63 RBI's.[3] On September 14, 2021, the Cubs selected Thompson's contract.[26] On November 3, 2021, Thompson was outrighted off of the 40-man roster and elected free agency two days later.[27] He had seven hits in 28 at bats over 15 games.[10]

San Diego Padres edit

On March 13, 2022, Thompson signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres.[28] His contract was selected from the Triple A El Paso Chihuahuas on April 28. [29] On May 10, he was designated for assignment but he declined the assignment and elected free agency. [30] In six games in the majors, he had one hit in 14 at-bats.[10]

Detroit Tigers edit

On May 19, 2022, Thompson signed a minor league deal with the Detroit Tigers organization.[31] In 25 games for the Triple–A Toledo Mud Hens, Thompson hit .299/.352/.639 with 8 home runs and 19 RBI.[32]

Los Angeles Dodgers (second stint) edit

On June 20, 2022, Thompson was traded back to the Dodgers organization in exchange for cash considerations. He subsequently had his contract selected to the active roster.[33][34] Thompson remained on the Dodgers active roster the rest of the season, hitting .268 with 13 home runs and 39 RBI in 74 games.[10]

On January 13, 2023, Thompson agreed to a one-year, $1.45 million contract with the Dodgers, avoiding salary arbitration.[35] In his first start of the season, on April 1 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Thompson hit three home runs, including a grand slam, and drove in eight runs.[36] With this game, Thompson became the first player in Major League history to drive in eight or more runs in their season debut since the RBI became an official statistic in 1920.[37] Thompson hit .155 in 36 games before he was placed on the injured list on June 3 with a strained left oblique.[38] He was transferred to the 60-day injured list on June 11.[39]

Chicago White Sox (third stint) edit

On July 28, 2023, Thompson, Nick Nastrini, and Jordan Leasure were traded to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for pitchers Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly.[40][41] On August 3, Thompson was activated from the injured list.[42] In 36 games for the White Sox, he batted .171/.261/.232 with one home run, 3 RBI, and 2 stolen bases. Following the season on November 3, Thompson was removed from the 40–man roster and sent outright to the Triple–A Charlotte Knights.[43] He elected free agency on November 6. [44]

New York Mets edit

On December 13, 2023, Thompson signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets.[45]

International career edit

Thompson represents Great Britain in international competition; he is eligible as his father Mychal is from the Bahamas, which is part of the British Commonwealth.[46] In the 2023 World Baseball Classic, he scored the British team's first ever run in their first WBC appearance, hitting a home run in the first inning off of Team USA starter Adam Wainwright.[47] He batted .214/.353/.500 over the course of the tournament, with three hits and three walks over 14 at-bats.[48]

Personal life edit

Born in Los Angeles, Thompson is the youngest son of former NBA player Mychal Thompson and former University of Portland and University of San Francisco women's volleyball player Julie Thompson. Mychal played for the Los Angeles Lakers and currently works in sports radio. Both of his older brothers are basketball players: Mychel played in the NBA for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2012, and Klay has played for the Golden State Warriors since 2011.[49][50] He is a childhood friend of Nolan Arenado. [51]

Thompson is Catholic.[52]

References edit

  1. ^ "Thompson brothers from family with talent to burn". San Francisco Chronicle. May 7, 2015. Retrieved August 12, 2015.
  2. ^ "Trayce Thompson breaks with tradition". Los Angeles Times. April 6, 2009. Retrieved August 12, 2015.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g "Trayce Thompson minor league statistics". Baseball Reference.
  4. ^ "White Sox 2013 Prospect Watch". Chicago.whitesox.mlb.com. Archived from the original on April 20, 2019. Retrieved December 14, 2013.
  5. ^ "White Sox add Sanchez and Thompson, claim Elmore". Chicago.whitesox.mlb.com. November 20, 2013. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved December 14, 2013.
  6. ^ Fox Sports. "White Sox call up OF Trayce Thompson, brother of NBA star Klay Thompson". FOX Sports. Retrieved August 12, 2015.
  7. ^ a b "VIDEO: O.C. rookie Trayce Thompson hits first career home run against Angels". The Orange County Register. August 11, 2015. Retrieved August 12, 2015.
  8. ^ Simon, Andrew (December 16, 2015). "White Sox acquire Frazier in 3-team deal". mlb.com. Archived from the original on September 27, 2017. Retrieved December 16, 2015.
  9. ^ Stephen, Eric (April 2, 2016). "Dodgers finalize opening day roster: Charlie Culberson, Trayce Thompson, Austin Barnes, Louis Coleman earn spots". SB Nation. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g "Trayce Thompson Statistics & History". Baseball Reference.
  11. ^ Padilla, Doug (July 16, 2016). "Back soreness sends Dodgers' Trayce Thompson to DL". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
  12. ^ Baer, Jack (August 8, 2016). "Thompson has back fractures, X-ray reveals". mlb.com. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
  13. ^ Duarte, Michael (September 18, 2016). "Los Angeles Dodgers Injury Updates: Kazmir Misses Out on Minor League Playoffs". NBCLosAngeles.
  14. ^ Unruh, Jacob (April 5, 2017). "OKC Dodgers: Outfielder Trayce Thompson works to regain footing in new setting". NewsOK. Retrieved April 5, 2017.
  15. ^ Pollshuk, Mark (March 27, 2018). "Dodgers Designate Trayce Thompson, Claim Cory Mazzoni From Cubs". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  16. ^ Adams, Steve (April 3, 2018). "Yankees Claim Trayce Thompson". mlb trade rumors. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
  17. ^ Todd, Jeff (April 5, 2018). "Athletics Claim Trayce Thompson". mlb trade rumors. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  18. ^ Todd, Jeff (April 17, 2018). "Athletics Designate Trayce Thompson for Assignment". mlb trade rumors. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
  19. ^ Sullivan, Paul (April 19, 2018). "White Sox trade Tyler Saladino to Brewers, pick up Trayce Thompson from Athletics". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved April 20, 2018.
  20. ^ "White Sox's Trayce Thompson: Designated for assignment". CBSSports. June 22, 2018. Retrieved June 22, 2018.
  21. ^ Eddy, Matt (November 6, 2018). "Minor League Free Agents 2018". Baseball America. Retrieved November 8, 2018.
  22. ^ "Trayce Thompson Stats & Scouting Report". baseballamerica.com. March 11, 2018. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  23. ^ "Diamondbacks Sign Trayce Thompson To Minor-League Deal". MLB Trade Rumors. February 2, 2020.
  24. ^ "2020 Minor League Season Canceled". MLB Trade Rumors. June 30, 2020.
  25. ^ "Cubs Acquire Trayce Thompson". MLB Trade Rumors. May 11, 2021.
  26. ^ "Cubs Select Trayce Thompson". September 14, 2021.
  27. ^ "Trayce Thompson Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.
  28. ^ "Padres' Trayce Thompson: Joins San Diego". March 13, 2022.
  29. ^ "Padres' Trayce Thompson: Called up from Triple-A". CBS Sports. April 28, 2022.
  30. ^ "Trayce Thompson Elects Free Agency". MLB Trade Rumors. May 14, 2022.
  31. ^ Petzold, Evan (May 19, 2022). "Detroit Tigers sign Trayce Thompson, brother of Klay Thompson, to minor-league contract". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved June 22, 2022.
  32. ^ "Trayce Thompson - Stats - Batting". fangraphs.com. Retrieved June 18, 2023.
  33. ^ "Los Angeles Dodgers acquire Trayce Thompson from Detroit Tigers". ESPN.com. June 20, 2022. Retrieved June 22, 2022.
  34. ^ "Los Angeles Dodgers add newly acquired OF Trayce Thompson to active roster". ESPN.com. June 21, 2022. Retrieved June 22, 2022.
  35. ^ "2023 MLB Arbitration Tracker". MLBTradeRumors. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
  36. ^ Toribio, Juan (April 1, 2023). "Uno, dos, Trayce! Thompson goes yard 3x". mlb.com. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
  37. ^ "Thompson has 3 HRs, 8 RBIs in Dodgers' win". ESPN.com. April 2, 2023. Retrieved April 2, 2023.
  38. ^ "Dodgers' Trayce Thompson: Heading to IL with strained oblique". cbssports.com. June 4, 2023. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
  39. ^ "Dodgers' Trayce Thompson: Transferred to 60-day IL". cbssports.com. June 11, 2023. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
  40. ^ Anderson, R. J. "Lance Lynn trade grades: Dodgers get 'A' for adding veteran starter, reliever Joe Kelly in swap with White Sox". CBSSports.com.
  41. ^ Gonzalez, Alden (July 28, 2023). "Dodgers trade for Lance Lynn, Joe Kelly in latest additions". Central News Agency. Retrieved July 29, 2023.
  42. ^ "White Sox's Trayce Thompson: Activated from 60-day IL". cbssports.com. August 3, 2023. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  43. ^ "White Sox's Trayce Thompson: Sent outright to Triple-A". cbssports.com. Retrieved November 4, 2023.
  44. ^ "Transactions".
  45. ^ McDonald, Darragh (December 13, 2023). "Mets Sign Trayce Thompson To Minor League Deal". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
  46. ^ Chloe Clark (February 3, 2023). "Dodgers News: Outfielder Trayce Thompson Playing for Great Britain in WBC". Inside the Dodgers | News, Rumors, Videos, Schedule, Roster, Salaries and More. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  47. ^ "GB lose in historic World Baseball Classic opener". BBC Sport. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
  48. ^ "Stats - Great Britain". MLB.com. Retrieved June 28, 2023.
  49. ^ Chicago Tribune (February 22, 2015). "White Sox prospect Trayce Thompson inspired by brother and NBA star Klay". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved August 12, 2015.
  50. ^ Chicago Tribune (August 11, 2015). "Klay Thompson recalls brother Trayce's 'surreal' White Sox debut". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved August 12, 2015.
  51. ^ LA Daily News (June 8, 2016). "Miller: Dodgers' Trayce Thompson Rockies' Nolan Arenado share brotherly bond that dates to youth baseball". Dailynews.com. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
  52. ^ "Trayce Thompson at Dodgers Faith & Family Day". Youtube. July 31, 2016. Retrieved January 29, 2021.

External links edit

  • Career statistics and player information from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors), or Retrosheet